2 rail O Scale?

[Expat1]

[quote user="CandOforprogress2"]

What changes would have to be done to Lionel and MTH locomtives to make this work?

 

It would be more work than it is worth.  MTH makes O gauge that can be run on either 2 or 3 rail as does ACE and Daerstad in the U.K. if you like British tinplate trains.  There are several other European manufacturers of 2 rail O gauge and of course if you prefer scale to toy trains, you can tie up several grand in exact scale brass locomotives as well. I use Ross track with the blackened center rail and just run'em.

[CandOforprogress2]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rz3nfjumUY

[Firelock76]

CandOforprogress2, I don't recall seeing you here on the CTT Forum before but if this is your first trip, welcome aboard! 

I see you on the Trains Forum quite often, and all are welcome here, we have a lot of fun and really learn from each other.  Enjoy the visit, you'll be amazed at what you see.

PS:  I'd stick with three rail, personally.  It's easier to work with and the bigger flanges on three rail O gauge trains hold the rails so much better.

[IRONROOSTER]

MTH's Premier line locomotives have 2 rail versions with scale wheels for steam locomotives and conversion kits for diesels.  They also have conversion kits for rolling stock.

Be aware that other MTH lines and many Lionel locomotives are not true O scale.

Atlas makes their Master and Trainman lines in both 2 rail and 3 rail versions.

Unless tinkering and rebuilding locomotives appeals to you, I would recommend sticking to the 2 rail versions available. 

Good luck

Paul

[sir james I]

I'm not an MTH engine fan but they do sell engines that can run on 2 rail scale. However as mentioned above all your cars require insulated axles or wheels.

[lionelsoni]

Early model railroaders used O-scale Lionel locomotives.  They did not insulate the axles, but instead installed outside third rail, with Lionel-made shoes, even on steam locomotives like the 700E.  Third rail was not uncommon on prototype railroads at that time.  The shoes on steam locomotives were meant to be inconspicuous, or at least less conspicuous than the center rail.

Another possibility is to build something like the Maerklin "Punkt Kontakten," or "Pukos," which are studs serving the same purpose as the center rail.

The 773 retains a relic of its scale ancestor--shallow flanges on the trailing truck.

Although most 3-rail is AC and 2-rail is DC, there is no necessary relationship.  For example, 2-rail American Flyer is usually AC; and Lionel has sold 3-rail DC trains in modern times.  Actually, in the early 20th century, DC predominated for toy trains until AC electrical service became common.  And most toy trains will run on either AC or DC.  

[rtraincollector]

one your axles would have to be replaced with axles that have a insulator in the middle. You then would need to have a pick-up to each side to make the loop for power. You cars would also need all there axles changed out for same reason if they had metal wheels & axles. I believe theres a different depth on 2 rail than 3 rail flanges on the wheels. 2 rail being less in depth as track I have seen is lower profile. Thats just some of the things you would have to tackle first. And believe 2 rail is DC so may have to set engine up with different boards. 

[CandOforprogress2]

What changes would have to be done to Lionel and MTH locomtives to make this work?