With the cargo cars all except the one immediately behind the engine can potentially have its cargo removed. With the Takara trains they have the battery box (takes two AAA batteries) and a hard on/off switch in the first car behind the engine. You then have a power lead that goes through the permanent connector into the engine which has a standard type motor with worm gear connected to the power by a miniature latching on/off switch mounted on the top rear of the car. If you look closely you will see near the rear wheels of the engines a small bracket type arrangement, this is combined with a small spring in the top of the rear of the engine which allows it to hinge slightly up and down (if that description makes sense). You then just get a small pressure on the rear of the train to start or stop it.
Personally I find this arrangement excellent as it enables you to easily turn them on and off when running without having to try to catch them and flick a switch etc... I'm surprised that either Tomy or Mattel haven't picked up this idea as it is far superior to the on/off switch they both use and would probably be more child friendly into the bargain - it should also stop the stripped/cracked gear as well because you're not having to try to hold it while turning it on/off
When I get a chance and my proper camera out as opposed to my phone I'll get you some clearer, closer up images of the goods trains/wagons. Just try not to get too hooked, I don't want too much competition in the auctions
Personally I find this arrangement excellent as it enables you to easily turn them on and off when running without having to try to catch them and flick a switch etc... I'm surprised that either Tomy or Mattel haven't picked up this idea as it is far superior to the on/off switch they both use and would probably be more child friendly into the bargain - it should also stop the stripped/cracked gear as well because you're not having to try to hold it while turning it on/off
When I get a chance and my proper camera out as opposed to my phone I'll get you some clearer, closer up images of the goods trains/wagons. Just try not to get too hooked, I don't want too much competition in the auctions
Happily collecting things all my life... 