I work for a company that makes Video surveillance software. For motion I run a HO train on a 36 inch diameter circle 24/7. I use Bachmann and Model power. The engines last about a month or so and if there is rolling stock attached the plastic wheels do not last. If a engine starts to die I will just lube it up with some light weight engine oil, knowing that it will die ion a couple of weeks. The reason for HO is that it is the lowest cost to replace a engine about $25 to $30.
What scale are you using? What train brand are you using? How long does your engine last? How many cars are you pulling? Did you ever calculate the distance it travels for a month? (You will be surprised).
Below are my fun facts that I made to show visitors when they stop by:
“ONSSI EXPRESS” FUN FACTS.
Train Operates 24/7.
Track has a 36 inch Diameter, circumference is 113 inches.
For the train to go ten revolutions on the track it takes 1 minute.
1 minute (10 revolutions) = 1,130 inch.
1 hour = 67,800 inch.
24 hours = 1,627,200 inch or 135,600 feet or 25.7 miles
30 days = 4,068,000 feet or 770.455 miles (train only last about a month, then needs to be replaced).
365 days = 49,494,000 feet or 9,373.864 miles.
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Scale miles traveled:
HO train is 1/87 in scale.
Take 5280 (feet per mile) and divide by 87.
So, 1 HO mile = 60' 8 1/4" (60.75 feet).
For scale miles traveled for 365 Days:
Multiply 4,949,400 feet by 60.75 feet which will equal 49,390,060.75 or 93,738.647 scale miles.
This would equal 3.37 times around a scale earth!
“ONSSI has to increase passenger fees to help pay for equipment upkeep.”