TrainGuyMcGee posted:To all,
I got into the 3 rail hobby about 2 years ago. Since then, I've invested a considerable amount of money into the start up equipment costs (hardware, transformers, track etc...) and now own about 60 pieces of rolling stock (mostly MTH Premier Line), 2 Lionel Legacy Diesels, 2 MTH Premier Line diesels and a Sunset 3rd Rail Steamer.
Unfortunately, after 2 years, the deafening noise of the 3 rail trains is getting to be too much. The noise they generate (even at low speeds) makes the trains more of a nuisance to my family than anything. I recently saw a 2 rail setup at a train show and was really impressed by how quiet it was. So I thought, why not convert from 3 rail to 2 rail?
Hear me out.....2 years is nothing!!!! I payed attention to the 2 rail awakening early on as well and could not be happier with that decision....Right now it feels like you have a lot, but in reality you may not.... besides IMO it's better to have a few really great models than a bunch of crappy Lionel stuff
I realize this will cost some money but I think in the long run, it will be worth it. On that note, I have some questions:
1) Generally speaking, are 2-Rail (O Scale) trains that much quieter than thier 3 rail cousins? I suspect so as I believe it's the "roller" style pickup that generates most of the noise with the 3 rail trains and to some extent, the large flanges on the wheels. I tend to run larger consists (20 + pieces of rolling stock) so even they generate quite a bit of noise by themselves.
Yes!!!! Two Rail is the best!!!! Much more quite because there is less friction... like a real train! Those pizza cutter wheels ugh... cant look at those gee!
2) Can I use all of my MTH equipment (Transformer, TIU, DCS controller etc..) with a 2-rail setup without any performance degradation? Will I still have all of the same functionality? If so, this would obviously save me a ton of money.
My advice is get rid of the MTH DCS system and invest in a HQ DCC station... I have owned the ESU Ecos for many years and I love it!!! There are many others out there. MTH engines run on DCC, but by getting a DCC station you can buy Atlas, Sunset or even install your own decoders!!! Nothing beats that!!
3) Also, If I make the switch, will Lionel Legacy engines run on 2-rail with MTH's command and control systems?
No, but who cares Lionel sucks... I call them PEZ dispensers
4) The rolling stock I use is mostly MTH Premier Line and they look really easy to convert - Just replace the wheel sets with MTH's insulated variety. How about the locomotives? I have a decent understanding of electronics and don't mind taking the engines apart. How difficult are they to convert to 2 rail?
MTH rolling stock is easily converted... Engines are a different story, but you'll see that in time MTH engnes start to look funny... they lack the finesse of Sunset and even Atlas' engines.... So my advice is get rid of the MTH engines and buy some Atlas or Sunset....
5) Can I run the engines just as fast on 2 rail track? The track looks so much smaller and the first thing I thought about was man, how do the trains stay on those tiny rails? Also, do the trains derail more frequently on 2 rail?
They can go fast, it depends on your track work.... bad track work derails anything....
Thanks in advance for any and all input.
