Hi all I'm wondering on how to insulate a motor for any modern DC locomotive for a 3rd Rail conversion, I'm completely switching over to Tin Plate Marklin M Rail track soon for HO and OO I'm still a bit confused on how to model using this method... photos would be greatly appriciated! (Thank You for any Help!)
Any 2 rail equipment is already gooign to be insulated. If not, it would short out instantly on 2 rail track. The issues is almost always the opposite - 3 rail equipment often doesn't have the wheels and axles insulated because both outside rails are the same polarity on a 3 rail system.
All you have to do is disconnect the motor from one side and add some sort of third rail pickup shoe.
I have to ask, why? Many Marklin models are available under the Trix name, set up for 2 rail, if the issue is wanting to run the Euro locomotives.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Plus, if I'm not mistaken, Marklin's three-rail system uses AC power?
Their C-track ("click track") had the two running rails insulated from each other, so I suppose you could set up a layout using that with a toggle to go back and forth between DC and AC/three rail. But as noted, you couldn't use Marklin 3-rail equipment unless you put in insulated wheelsets.
Some years ago I had to insulate a motor with Kapton tape.
Each motor half was mechanically connected to each brush mounting. Top weight and bottom weight sent DC power to the motor halves. Mounted motor with nylon screws. No power to the top weight for DCC.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.