What sets us apart from the rest?
Authentic Form and Outstanding Function
We've brought REALISM to the miniature park train
Whether waiting in the station or pulling passengers along their adventure, our trains delight riders and on-lookers of all ages as they appear, move, and sound like full-sized American steam of the 19th century.
But as revolutionary as that is in the park train world, our goal goes far beyond the effort to design and build trains that simply look like the real thing — we build them with proven technology and engineering to outperform and outlast all others with bare-minimum maintenance.
What will you find on our trains?
- Precision laser-cut and computer-machined parts
- Silent direct-axle battery-electric drive
- Powerful EV-specific induction motors requiring NO maintenance
- Computer-controlled Lithium-Iron-Phosphate battery packs requiring NO maintenance
- Advanced-quality bearings from around the world
- Railroad-standard hardened wheel profiles
- Fully-sprung suspension
- Engineered drive wheels designed for maximum tractive effort
- Leading and trailing trucks engineered for effective steering and balanced support
- Authentic polyphonic steam sounds and steam effects
- A full 10-year warranty on all battery cells
- Automatic fail-safe motion controls
- Comfortable in-cab, forward-facing seating for 2-person crew
- Real brass and ultra-durable powder-coat finish
Leading Edge Technology
At Texas Bells and Whistles, truly leading-edge technology is designed into our proprietary locomotive drivetrains and controls from the beginning. We use energy-dense and safe lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells specifically designed for today’s electric vehicles. Don’t confuse these with the lithium-ion batteries that you’ve likely viewed burning in laptops or hoverboards on YouTube. Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) cells are designed and built to be fire-safe against crash or crush damage and are computer-monitored and controlled to track the health of each cell to balance the pack and prevent over or under charging (not possible with lead-acid batteries). LiFePO4 cells are used extensively in electric vehicles of all sizes world-wide and have a well-proven safety and performance record.
And we don’t stop there... we are constantly evaluating new technology developments and exploring new ways to improve our operating range, performance, safety, and reliability. As new battery and motor technologies emerge, we're ready for it.
But with all of these advancements available to the world, we were simply stunned to discover that most other train manufacturers who offer electric locos are still using the 1950s technology of lead-acid batteries and forklift motors! Besides being an obvious environmental and health hazard, here’s what they aren’t telling you about it:
- Only 50% of a lead-acid battery pack’s total energy is usable (very limited range)
- Lead-acid batteries typically last about 2 years (high replacement costs and downtime)
- When one battery dies (which it will), the whole pack must be replaced
- Lead-acid battery packs are extremely heavy (specialized lift and transport equipment required with far greater injury risk)
- Charging lead-acid batteries produces flammable hydrogen gas (high fire risk) requiring specialized ventilation systems
- Sulfuric acid in lead-acid batteries is highly corrosive and destructive to metal and people
- The water in EACH cell has to be topped off DAILY (high maintenance)
- OSHA requires a Safety Shower and Eyewash be installed near lead-acid battery charging stations (more infrastructure and routine compliance requirements)
There’s a reason today’s automobile manufacturers aren’t using lead-acid batteries in their electric vehicles. Those same reasons apply to park train locomotives.
Outstanding Customer Service
High-end equipment is only as good as the service and support behind it. We warrant all of our train equipment from tip to tail for a full 2 years. When you call, we answer because we understand that you expect your investment to work reliably and consistently every day, so if something isn’t right, we make it right.
So if you want a train that will thrill your passengers, tame your operating costs, and last for a generation, you’re in the right place.
Now let’s go choose your locomotive….
