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How do I insulate a modern DC motor for 3 Rail?

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  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 12:58 PM

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.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 11:23 AM

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.

Stix
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, May 27, 2019 7:38 PM

 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.

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • 95 posts
How do I insulate a modern DC motor for 3 Rail?
Posted by Safety Valve on Monday, May 27, 2019 5:29 PM

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! Big Smile (Thank You for any Help!) Wink 

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