Thank you Matt! I have been studying 2 rail this past week. The more I learn the more I'm amazed at the huge differences in the same gauge.
I believe that most people, including me, assume that either 2 rail O or 3 rail O are pretty much the same less the number rails and polarity issue when using 2 rail track.
Those things just scratch the surface.
I have a HUGE investment in 3 rail and still enjoy it. However, I desire to create and have an O scale 2 rail portable layout that I may display at different NMRA events. I thought I could use my 3 rail equipment on this portable 2 rail.
I learned I can use DCS and AC power on 2 rails. I have MTH locos where I only need to flip the switch for 2 rail. I thought all I needed was track. Then the issue came to my attention about hi-rail wheels have issues on 2 rail track turnouts.
Option #1
I could simply remove the center rail on my Ross turnouts and Gargraves track. However, I wanted a highly realistic track with much lower rail. It is rare to see O scale 2 rail at NMRA events; at least in Central Indiana.
I really want to save money and not buy 2 rail engines and cars for my possible future portable 2 rail O.
I am considering modifying 2 rail turnouts to accommodate hi-rail wheels.
However, if someone in the future buys the layout or switches, or wants to run 2 rail equipment on my 2 rail track, there is going to be an issue at turnouts.
I have even went so far as Proto 48, but I'm simple not going to adjust cars and engines wheel sets that little bit, which will restrict them solely to P48 track.
Don't get me wrong, I think Proto 48 is awesome! If this was day 1, and I had a clean slate, I would consider it. I just have way too much invested in 3 rail.
11 years ago when I began planning The Glacier Line, I wanted something very different. That is why I choose 3 rail O and put it in a highly realistic setting. I have no regrets.
The Glacier Line has been professionally videotaped twice by two different companies and has appeared in four other national publications including OGR and the NMRA Magazine. It isn't easy getting 3 rail in the NMRA National magazine.
I really like the look of Code 148 2 rail O scale track. And I learned very recently about the Signature Switch Company owned by Brad Strong. I have read a number of reviews on this Forum attesting to the high quality of Brad's products.
All that remains to be seen is what I'm going to do as far as building a 2 rail portable layout.
It is a shame that I'm so attracted to a different number of scales. I'm just finishing my scenery module in N scale. This is what got me thinking about super realistic 2 rail O scale.
It's a shame I'm not rich.
