I recently aquired a rather large collection of 3 Rail O scale items from my uncle. The collection includes a lot of track & switches, most of it is still new in the box.
My question is, can I use the 3 rail track with my newly purchased 2 rail DC engine?
I know I will need a DC transformer to run the train, but can I hook up DC to the 3 rail track and operate my engine? The track and switches are Atlas 3 rail and tubular (Lionel like).
Yes and no. It depends on what type of track it is. Gargraves and Atlas would work, but Lionel will not. The problem is that the outside rails on most toy type tracks are electricly connected. Don’t mix them, use the Atlas only. I’m not sure about the Atlas switches, I think they are OK. No Lionel!!!
MTH Realtrax will also work, but, as Elliot said, watch out for switches(and crossovers).
Also, with Atlas, be sure to not have a terminal section anywhere in the circuit, as it puts power to both outside rails.
Anyone need some track?
I guess I should have listened to Elliot and went with 3 rail![B)]
Ben, correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t you want power to both rails (outside rails) in a DC set-up? I assumed I would connect the wires in a simlar fashion as with my HO layout.
Should I get an O scale operator’s licence before I proceed any further?[^]
The problem with the Atlas terminal section is it sends ground to the two outer rails. If it’s in the circuit when running with a 2-rail set up, it will be a direct short across the two outer rails.
I’d sell the 3 rail track and buy Atlas 2 rail track if I were in your position. Of course, if you have a bunch of 3 rail trains on hand from that collection, then why not just run your 3 rail trains on the 3 rail track. You can change to 2 rail if you are not happy and will have lost nothing in the process.
Bill Sherwood
I just want you to have the best experience possible with your “up sizing” project. There are advantages and disadvantages to EVERYTHING. At least you are still at an early stage without having too much invested. Don’t let this little gift of track get you derailed, but pausing to examine the alternatives may be a good thing. I’ll bet you really don’t mind the look of the Atlas 3 rail track. I think its the best LOOKING track on the market for 3 rail.[;)]
Yes, in fact I do like the look of the Atlas track, its the look of the Lionel engines and rolling stock that I’m not wild about.
The reason I asked the question is, I’d like to use the Atlas 3 rail, and add 2 rail to it kind of mix and match. I’d try to hide the 3 rail at the back part of the layout. I kind of figured I’d have to get rid of the 3 rail tubular stuff. When all is said and done, I may have a 2 and 3 rail set-up.
Now if I could just find the space…
Like I said in an earlier post, I have spent the last 5 years switching to all scale stuff. I put all of the non scale and toy stuff away. It won’t be used on this layout. The Lionel scale stuff is nice, and makes up about 25% of what they make these days. Atlas and Weaver make scale exclusively, and sell it 2 and 3 rail. MTH and K-line also make some scale stuff, just like Lionel. The plot thickens. I thought you already had the space.[;)]
One thing to consider for the future is the Atlas rail in the 3 rail track is super huge and somewhat gross compared to the 2 rail track rails.
Bill
@dgoodlander. I assume you want 2 rail track in sight and run on 2 rail dc? My first idea was to make pickups under the 2rail DC machine and use the 3 rail track for all of your engines on DC. (Lionel will also run on DC)
You will be able to use every locomotive but you will need 3 rail. Converting the lionel stuff into 2 rail DC is no option, because you’ll have to isolate every axle on one side to avoid shortings.
If you use the 2 rail DC option and get rid of the Lionel engines, don’t forget to make a slight grade in the middle rail on the beginning and the end to avoid collisions when a coupler hits the 3rd rail after a 2 rail section.
Elliot,
I have a decent sized basement that is 32’ x 46’. The HO layout is in half of the basement (16’ x 23’) and the other half is a sitting/TV area for the kids. I’m currently negociately trackage right to the sitting/TV area. The current land owner (my wife) is considering my rail expansion. If all goes well, I will set-up the O scale on that side of the basement.
Over the years I’ve seen some nice examples of combo den / train rooms. It is a concept that can be very nice. Mostly shelf with a section or two that are wider. Often the TV ends up under the wide section.
In my plan the layout actually runs on top of my bookshelves. A section of the upper deck will have the Amtrak depot on it. Just two tracks, basicly a long siding.
In the foreground you can see part of the hidden yard. I actually have the benchwork covering that now.