how to test

[POPPAPAT]

Hello everyone is there any way to test an engine without track...? The reason I ask is because I go to flea markets and yard sales and I wanna test them before I buy them.  Is that possible and how...? thank you.

[ACY]

You will need at the very least a power source that is properly rated for your locomotive and probably an outlet unless you use a battery.

[Jim Banner]

Carry a fresh 9 volt alkaline battery with you.  Its terminals are the right distance apart to span the wheels of an H0 locomotive.  With an N-scale locomotive, you will have to angle the battery to touch one terminal to a left wheel and one terminal to a right wheel.

One caution: DO NOT CARRY A 9 VOLT BATTERY IN YOUR POCKET ALONG WITH KEYS, COINS OR ANYTHING ELSE METAL.  If shorted, the battery can become extremely hot or even explode.

Jim

[DoubleDAZ]

It I did this a lot, I'd tack a piece of track to a scrap board (1x4, 1x6 1x8, etc.).  If I was interested in both HO and N, I'd attach a piece of each.  I'd put some alligator clips on a 9-volt battery.  When I want to test an engine, I'd clip the battery to the appropriate track and test away.  You could even make the board 3'-4' long to give you some running room and add something to control/reverse speed.

[James in FL]

I carry a 9v battery to every train show.
I also second Jim's caution.

Good Luck