Converting 3 rail AC HO to 2 rail DC operation?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

HI,

I just obtained an HO Marklin 3477 Zeppelin passenger loco (this is the experimental protoype driven by an airplane propeller in the rear). Unfortunately, it is a 3-rail AC version and I only model in 2-rail DC. I emailed Marklin tech support and they no longer have any Hamo DC-wheel sets that might fit this (being last produced in 1995).

Anyone have ideas on whether this conversion is feasible without DC-wheel sets? Should I just eBay it for someone else (who does use 3-rail AC track) to use?

thanks,

Drew

2

You need to install insulated wheel sets.

I tried googling for those but nothing popped to the top. Here is a link from someone who has done what you are proposing:

http://germanrail.8.forumer.com/a/converting-ac-locos-to-dc_post118.html

If you really want to keep the loco, try finding the necessary parts on E-Bay.

3

I have asked a couple of H.O. people in wpb area and what you want to do is possible but expensive, also consider the resale value of the piece. It would be better to buy three rail H.O. track and convert the power source to the rails with double pole double throw toggle switches from Radio Shack or other electronics stores. If the Marklin three rail track has insulated outside rails this will work, just switch over from D.C. to A.C. with a double pole switch, center tap to rails, A.C. power in on one end and D.C. power on the other end, insulate the rails for block control.

Lee F.

4

Yes, this the conclusion I am coming to as well. As I cannot get stock replacement 2-rail insulated wheels (with and without the drive gear), this will be a very involved operation - assuming there are no huge challenges ahead in getting the motors to work with DC. But as this has a delta module in it (predecessor to DCC), I don’t think this would be too much of a challenge.

Marklin Tech Support also recommended I migrate to Marklin 3 rail track as the DC stuff would also work on it. (They don’t have any more HAMO wheel sets for this model.) But I have too much invested in already put down Altas flex-track and Fleischmann turnouts and uncouplers to make this a worthwhile task.

So, I think I will do as was suggested above and simply sell this off to someone who does have a 3 rail setup and look on eBay for someone selling a 2 rail DC HAMO version (or equivalent) version.

thanks for all your assistance.

Drew

5

I’ve converted 3 rail MTH locks to use on dcc layout by removing the middle rail shoe, lifting the pickup wires from one side of the loco which isolates them from the wheels on the other side and the stock decoder, and connecting those lifted pickup wires to the wire that went to the center rail shoe