CHeck this out.

Outside third rail was a very popular way of operating scale trains. The main reason was to make electrical wiring easier. That is the main advantage of 3 rail. The third rail is mounted on the outside, very similar to the rail on Chicago's CTA trains. The rail is a little higher than the running rail and the trains had a little whisker which slid on the rail to collect the power.

Nice video. Did anyone notice the age of the guys running the trains? Also, are those Kadee "K" style couplers used on the trains?

quote:

Originally posted by chuck:
Nice video. Did anyone notice the age of the guys running the trains? Also, are those Kadee "K" style couplers used on the trains?

Kadee wasn't making O scale couplers back then. They're probably Monarch couplers.

Rusty

quote:

Originally posted by swav:
Outside third rail was a very popular way of operating scale trains. The main reason was to make electrical wiring easier. That is the main advantage of 3 rail.

Exactly how does an outside rail make the wiring easier? I can understand how conventional 3 rail does but surely having an outside pickup negates that? Such as, for example, on a reversing loop?

This is not meant as a dig, I'm aware of my limited knowledge and would like to have it explained because I don't understand what the advantage is.

Does anybody know if that particular club is still in existence?

quote:

Originally posted by mike dench:

quote:

Originally posted by swav:
Outside third rail was a very popular way of operating scale trains. The main reason was to make electrical wiring easier. That is the main advantage of 3 rail.

Exactly how does an outside rail make the wiring easier? I can understand how conventional 3 rail does but surely having an outside pickup negates that? Such as, for example, on a reversing loop?

This is not meant as a dig, I'm aware of my limited knowledge and would like to have it explained because I don't understand what the advantage is.

The outside rail is like the center rail on 3-rail track. Wiring is the same as 3-rail. When it's time to "change sides" as it were, there will be an outside rail on both sides for an inch or so.

The outside third rail locomotives have a pick up (a sprung rigid wire or bar) extending out on both sides of the locomotive, just like prototype 3rd rail "EL" cars have sliding pick-up shoes on both sides of the trucks.

Rusty

quote:

Exactly how does an outside rail make the wiring easier? I can understand how conventional 3 rail does but surely having an outside pickup negates that? Such as, for example, on a reversing loop?

The problem with 2 rail reversing loops is that without gaps, the rails would short out on themselves.
With outside third rail, the rails are always seperate.
I am by no means an expert on outside third rail. That said, I am under the impression that the locomotives have pickup wipers on both sides of the engine. so when the engine turns on itself, it uses the wiper on the other side.

Hello Mike
The wiring advantage is the outside rail is always the positive just like our third rail. The locomotive has third rail pickups sticking out each side of the locomotive, reverse loops no problem. You only need the rail on one side or the other. At least that is how I understand it.
Clem

I guess I'm a slow typest

LOL! Why does that background music sound SOOOO Familiar?????

quote:

Originally posted by Eric Oxner:
On the internet I came across this 3 rail.This is a little different from other 3 rail trains.I remeber seeing this type of set up in a book at my grand parents house.1950s o scale layouts

Just like Mr. Lockwood, I usually put on my three-piece suit when I operate my layout.

But seriously, it is a really neat video, and I absolutely loved the operation of the switch yard!

I usually watch the brass section on eBay's O Scale area. Quite often there are brass engines from the postwar era for sale, and occasionally outside third rail engines for sale. Although I don't plan on setting up such a track, it would be cool to have one of these engines.

Jim