MARKLIN 3 Rail Conversion?

[JamesNWR05]

I recently purchased an HO/OO Schienenzeppelin from eBay. It utlizes Marklin's 3-rail wheels. Is there any way to convert this engine to DC/two rail power? Anyone in the US who does it for a fee? I'd really like for this loco not to go to waste sitting on a shelf...

[7j43k]

I don't know anyone who does this work, and I wish you well on finding someone.

These also came as "two rail" (Trix) models--a friend had one.  So there are certainly parts, most likely drop in, that would do the conversion.

Ah, but there's the expense.  You might be ahead putting this one on the shelf and looking for the Trix version.

 

Ed

[JamesNWR05]

I bought this one thinking it was the two-rail version...unfortunately turns out you cant always trust eBay. I'll keep looking around

[tstage]

James,

Have you tried contacting Marklin about this directly?  They might even have a list of authorized Marklin/Trix dealers who could either convert it, or know of someone who could convert it to DC.  Worth a try.  Keep us posted...

Tom

[JamesNWR05]

That's an awesome idea. I'll try that. Thank you!

[JamesNWR05]

Haven't heard back yet. If I don't, does anyone have any other ideas? A local vendor who might be willing to do it?

[rrinker]

 Just a guess but I'm going to say the trucks are probably completely different, as the 2 rail version would have insualted wheels and pickups on each wheel or maybe on stub axle halves, and no 'skate' in the middle to pick up power from the center stud contacts on Marklin track. The electronic reverser would go. Not sure if newer Marklin stuff still uses an AC motor or if with an electronic reverse they use a DC motor - if it's AC you'll ALSO need a whole new motor. Hopefully the driveline parts are the same so the motor can be simply swapped.

 You're still talking a good bit of the overall cost of the model, it may actually be cheaper to buy a Trix ones that's already 2 rail DC.

 Wow, they made that thing in all scales. Old tinplate clockwork, tinplate O electric, HO, N, and Z.

 

                                    --Randy

 

[trainnut1250]

I ran Marklin gear for 40 years. I looked into doing exactly the same thing about 20 years ago. I even spent time converting US 2 rail freight cars to run on Marklin track…My advice is to find the HAMO version of the loco and don’t look back. The hassle factor in the conversion is off the scale.

Now if you like a challenge maybe, but….Personally I would rather spend my modeling time, energy and ultimately $$$ elsewhere. I  doubt that you will find someone to do the conversion at a reasonable price when compared to buying the HAMO version. I wish that I could be more encouraging...

My two cents,

 

Guy