How can I use Three and two rails trains in the same layout?

[Anonymous]

Hi
We are members of a new train club and museum in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Some of the members are three rails trains users and others two rails (Marklin, Roco, Fleichmann, Bachmann, Liliput, Piko, etc aprox 1000 engines and 8000 coaches and freight cars)). As the first step we are planning our layout. We have a question: How can we use Marklin K trucks for both types of trains? (The layout will be digital).
Thank you very much
Enzo

[Anonymous]

Enzo,

As far as I know the answer is a qualified yes. K track rails are insulated from each other in the flex and curved sections, not sure how the turnouts are wired. I do know MArklin users who have done this using K track, so it must be possible. I ran my layout using K track, but strictly three raiI. I don't think you will be able to run two rail pick up and three rail at the same time because the polarity of the rails in three rail mode is the same for both rails.

I would suggest that you adopt one system or the other for club use. Conversion of locos to and from 3 rail is not practical. I spent years looking into it a decided life was too short for that kind of thing. I fear that you will make so many compromises building a layout to try and accomodate both systems, that you will end up satisfying no one. Club members who own lots of stuff in the system not chosen can relatively easily convert rolling stock (not Locos) by changing wheel sets. They will have to buy a new loco for club use.....

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much for your advice. I was waiting for a miracle but...

Enzo