Anyone convert a 3-rail MTH Diesel to 2-rail?

I actually converted a 3-rail Premier SD70ACE to 2-rail this weekend.  There are no pilots available to buy so

1) I used a 0.188 x .060 Evergreen strips to space out the pilot from the shell correctly

2) mount each pilot to the shell.

3)  Install kadees.

4)  Fill in the gap around the kadees with more Styreen strips.

5)  Straighten out the handrails to make them full length.

6)  Paint everything that needs painting.

7)  Swap out the wheelsets and remove the pickups.

done

Not a 3/2 diesel--these are among the very first PS 2 diesels, made in 2001--but it's the same basic idea: remove the pilot, cut off the truck-mounting tab, drill holes in the pilot and frame to mount it, make and paint fillers, shim as needed to get the Kadees to the correct height: 

This SD40-2 was more work because of the short frame:

For this Railking Scale FP45, I discarded the factory pilots (which were all wrong) and installed Atlas SD40 two-rail pilots:

 On all these (and all the Atlas conversions I've done) I've scrapped the factory hand rails and fabricated full-length replacements. I keep a supply of brass wire on hand in different sizes. Only once was I able to bend any of the factory handrails to something approximating the correct position (here the very front and rear):

As a general rule, I buy only the two-rail models now, but I have my eye on a three-rail version of an engine I might pick up and convert. It actually should be easier than these relatively older designs. Go for it.

RM

First off, I wouldn't pay good money for a floating pilot 3-rail MTH with the intention of converting it to 2-rail.  Hold off until you can find the 2-rail version if one is available.  

But since I converted over to 2-rail modeling after being in 3-rail scale for a while, I "grandfathered in" some of the ones I already had.  The d&rgw below was acquired cheap.  Otherwise, I would avoid all the work required here if you can.

Oops!  That last pic is a 2-rail loco on 3-rail track!  

Ron is right - why bother if the 2-rail model is available and you can sell or trade and break even?  On the other hand I have converted quite a few K-Line Train Masters using NWSL components.  Pretty easy if you have the equipment - it takes a giant press to get those Chinese hi-rail wheels off their axles.

Rich- it's always nice to see your work. Using brass wire is a great idea to get full-length grab rails.

Martin- I do see your point about just buying 2-rail MTH diesels vs. buying the 3-rail version. I know it's alot less work to get them ready, just add the Kadees and go. But what is the max you'd spend on a 3-rail diesel? I see some dealers selling 2-rail diesels for $425-475, but could find the 3-rail version used for around $300-350.

I bought a MTH 2-rail UP SD-70ACe back in 2012 before I took a break from trains for a bit- once I pulled this engine out of the packing, I decided this is the route I wanted to take- no more 3-rail diesels. I had held off on buying more MTH diesels because of the complexity of DCS and some issues the local train club had with with making that control system run on a large layout, but look of a 3/2 protoscale diesel is near perfect to me. I may be taking the plunge into pure 2-rail at this point, but these diesels on code 148 2-rail track is as good as O gauge gets. I'll look for used 2-rail MTH diesels, but I don't seem to see alot for sale. Where do I look?

Geno

Geno. Im going to guess your ACe is PS-2, mybe PS-3 is the way to go, sinse you will have DCC as an option for runing at your club layout. I personly havent had any difficulties running DCS with DC on the rails. I think on price its how patiant you are they definetly do come up for sale at good prics say $300-350.      cTr.....(Choose the Right) 

Geno 

I have some listed in the for sale forum, don't be afraid to talk price.

Clem k

Martin - sorry about calling you Ron.

Bird - comparing a new 2-rail Diesel to a used 3-rail is not a good comparison.  Of course, if there is a hundred dollar difference, buy the 3-rail and convert it.  But used locomotives do lose their value, and some of it is related to wear - the axle gear does not last forever.

If you are buying new, of course you buy the new MTH in 2-rail.  If you have a used 3-rail, you sell it and buy a used 2-rail if they are available, unless the hit you take is a hundred bucks.

Of course you do not sell a 3-rail MTH, buy a 2-rail Key, and expect to break even.

 I have converted what I would say is a lot of MTH 3 rail diesels to 2 rail. I have been watching this post and couldn't really add anything. I was inspired seeing Rich M's posts on his modern fleet and his work on them.

 The other chatter here about buying RTR 2 rail vs. 3 rail is amusing. I would say that most would prefer to have them RTR. There are several times that has not been possible. With all the 2 rail MTH releases, it is getting easier to find them.

 My new PS3 MTH CR SD80MAC was an example of a model needing conversion to 2 rail. The SD70MACs are more examples. Sometimes a conversion is necessary to get the desired model.

 I have done several attempts that included casting my own two rail pilots, and shimming the modified three rail pilots. Neither looks as good as the RTR models. They are satisfactory to me and got me desired models that could work on my RR. I have even exchanged shells on models to get the desired ones in two rail.

 I admire Santiago's models for example, with the extra detailing to finish off the pilots. I purchased the parts and have not got around to install them. I'll go back over some of my earlier attempts later on, and fine tune them if I can.

 My first attempt was a MTH CP Rail SD90MAC that has remained on my RR as is. I never extended the handrails or remade the shims. It just doesn't bother me enough to put it on top of my to do list. It is a great looking model. Sandwiched in between a consist of diesels, it's barely noticeable that it isn't finished.

 I have bigger fish to fry.

BTW Geno, I have "a lot of them" so what are you looking for?  

I am fully vested in 2-rail track- no plans to ever run any type of 3-rail track again, so for me it's only a question of how I will power my remaining 3-rail diesels. I like studrail for it's ability to power the center rollers with a slider shoe. So for the time being that set up can also power any MTH 3/2 convertible diesels, PS2 or PS3. I'm also planning to keep my Z4000 and add DCS to my layout- no plans for DCC at this point. I want to be able to run 3-rail engines too, and as long as they have flanges low enough to run on code 148 track or code 155 Roco track it should work. But I think I will be going away from TMCC and 3-rail diesels and selling off those, and only buying MTH 2-rail diesels from this point.

Both Hugo the Dane and Lisa Marie went from studrail 2-rail AC to straight 2-rail, so I suppose at some point I will do the same. But I want to try to retain 3-rail capability as long as possible- my roots are in 3-rail O scale, and I think it would be cool to have a layout that looks like a 2-rail pike, but allows 3-rail trains to run on it.

Geno

Geno,

I think Engineer-Joe brings up an important point about the lack of certain MTH Premier locomotives with scale-wheels that would force you to convert some to 2-rail, if you really have to have a specific locomotive model. If you are only looking at GE Dash-9, GE Evolution or EMD SD70ACe' then there are 2-rail versions available but a little harder to find. But if you want an EMD SD90MAC, SD80MAC or SD70MAC, then you have to convert those models as MTH did not offer them in 2-rail, even in the most recent catalogs. Similarly, the GE AC4400CW from the most recent run with Proto-3 was only offered in 3-rail, even though the previous run was available in both 3-rail & with scale wheels. Also, if you want modern Amtrak passenger locomotives like the GE P42DC or the EMD F59Phi, they are also only available as 3-rail, even in the most recent catalogs. I know MTH also offered some older locomotive models with scale-wheels but I was not familiar with those models to remember what they were.

These are just my opinion,

Thanks,

Naveen Rajan