Questions and Answers
How Does the Train Work?
The Train is electric, the batteries are stored in the Coal Car and the Train Engine. There is a controller connected to the batteries and motor that acts like a big dimmer switch. The more I turn it up, the faster the train goes.
How do the tracks work?
The Train rides on wooden tracks and is guided by a metal beam like a mono rail.
What is the electric motor?
The Train Engine has a 13.9 HP DC motor which has 42 Ft Lbs of Torque. The controller which feeds its power is capable of 400 amps of DC power.
How Many Batteries does it have?
The Train currently runs at 24 volts. There is four 6 volt golf cart batteries wired in series to give 24 volts. With the popularity of the train, the batteries start to slow down by the end of the evening. I am looking into upgrading the train to 48 volts which will extend the riding time.
How long does it take you to setup?
The entire train and tracks breaks down into sections and is stored on shelves. It takes approximatly 6 weeks with the help of some great volenteers. It takes the same amount of time to tear it all down and put it back into storage.
How long does it take to recharge the train?
The train recharges over night and is ready for the next days rides. I would say aprox 12 hours. I have not figured up how much it costs to recharge the train but it would not cost that much, a guestimate would be 1 dollar. The train is very efficient. :-)
How fast will the train go?
With the controller, I can control the trains speed from 0 to 9 mph. The Electric motor is geared down to limit the speed and to be able to pull a full load of passengers.
How far will the train go?
I've never kept track of this, some day I will actually figure it out. But the train rides are non-stop for 4 to 5 hours and if I average 5 mph, that would be 20 to 25 miles.