I am looking for somebody to convert my Williams GE 44 ton loco to 2 rail. I just need the trucks re-powered and wheels changed to scale tread. I am only going to run the loco on a small switching layout and only require DC power. No sound or decoder necessary. I will do the couplers and any "body work" needed. Is there someone out there that can help me out?
tomyorke@bellsouth.net
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Try Joe at Baldwin Forge and Machine. I can never spell his last name, but he does a lot of that kind of work. He actually prefers that you only send the mech and not the whole loco.
Hi Tom, about this idea , converting to battery radio control. Your switcher can run independently anywhere on your layout. I just finished a couple of 3 rail locos. If you are curious please visit my web site.
Don Sweet
Thanks for suggesting me, but I have no interest in converting the Williams 44 Tonner mechanism to 2 rail. I looked one over a few months ago and turned the job down.
Joe Foehrkolb
Baldwin Forge & Machine.
Not mine, but shows what can be done. Nice job.
I admire Joe - he is able to do this stuff at a very reasonable price, and is able to say "no" when either the job would be a PITA or not something he would enjoy.
I recently said "no" to my very best (and only ) customer. Easy stuff, but not worth the effort, and definitely not interesting.
probably forgotten, this is mine
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...n-converted-to-2rail
and added DCC /sound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzCJzb7Wkn4
Cor
An older 3 rail Rich Yoder GE 44 tonner that has been converted to TMCC, has electro-couplers and sound. Older Electric RR upgrade boards. Mouse-over the image and click on the triangle lower left corner for a switch testing video.
There were Rich Yoder GE 44 tonners that were 2 rail, you may be able to find one. Limited space, a difficult upgrade, let alone conversion from 3 to 2. IMO. Mike CT.
Sunset imported GE 44 tonners about 5 years ago. Not sure if in 3 rail but definitely in 2 rail. I have one. It runs very nice and slow and is very powerful. It is a bit noisey, but I can live with that. I use DCC and it could use an HO rated decoder.
You still see them at shows and what not. Norm's O scale has had them. They have run anywhere from 275 to 400 in price.
I have one of the Sunset built 44 ton engines, with a LokSound Select decoder installed as it has the correct sound file for the prime movers. It is a fine running engine that I use for switching. As Jim mentioned it is a bit noisy, but break-in does lower the drive chain noise by half.
I have a Yoder GE-44 tonner in Virginian paint scheme. I also have an older model painted B&O that I think is Custom Brass. I'm debating whether to paint it Southern or sell it. You will see the Custom Brass models on Ebay for around $300-400. They are chain drive.
There are a pile of 44 tonners out there in 2 rail, some better (more accurate) than others. Might be easier to sell it and buy one in 2 rail.
Simon
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