Conversion Possible?

boin106 posted:

Frankly...I don't know that much about the possibility of converting 2-rail to 3-rail...or if it's even possible.  I saw a Sunset SP Mikado 2-rail for sale.  Is it possible to convert that 2-rail locomotive to 3-rail?

I suppose ANYTHING is possible, if you have enough money. However, finding someone to actually make the conversion, from a machining standpoint, may be extremely difficult. I do know that Joe, of Baldwin Forge & Machine, who does extensive conversions of 3-Rail locomotives to 2-Rail, flatly refuses to convert the other way!

 If so...is it even worth it.

Not in my opinion.

 I sure would like to have a Sunset SP Mikado on my railroad and the 3-rails are very hard to find these days.  Any enlightenment on the subject is greatly appreciated.

Surprisingly, the older Sunset/3-rd Rail models of SP 2-8-0s, 2-8-2s, and 2-10-2s (in 3-Rail) do show up fairly often on eBay. Also, since the ERR up-grades to TMCC are apparently small enough, the installation of such electronics into those small vanderbuilt SP tenders is potentially possible.

 Matt

I have to agree with HOT WATER on this point, just look for the 3-rail version, they appear with some regularity on various auction sites.

For what it's worth, there is a Sunset/3rd Rail model (3-Rail) of the SP MK-6 2-8-2 on eBay right now, for $895 (which seems like a pretty fair price for a beautifully detailed brass steam locomotive model).

Edward,

I would recommend contacting Gary Yoesle.  He was the Sunset service guy for 30 years and he doesn't live that far away from you.  He lives in Campbell.  Email me if you're interested (it's in my profile) and I'll give you his phone number.  He may have a RTR 3R model available for you.

Jay

Jay C posted:

Edward,

I would recommend contacting Gary Yoesle.  He was the Sunset service guy for 30 years and he doesn't live that far away from you.  He lives in Campbell.  Email me if you're interested (it's in my profile) and I'll give you his phone number.  He may have a RTR 3R model available for you.

Jay

Who is  "Edward"?  Matt, is "BOIN106".

Oops, I read the quote.  It should go to Matt.

Hot Water posted:

For what it's worth, there is a Sunset/3rd Rail model (3-Rail) of the SP MK-6 2-8-2 on eBay right now, for $895 (which seems like a pretty fair price for a beautifully detailed brass steam locomotive model).

Tnx...I will check it out!  Matt