How complex is the process of converting a 2 rail scale wheel premier engine from 2 rail to 3 rail? Item I was looking at is 22-21929, Chessie U30C. Once converting does this limit the track radius it can run on?
thanks,
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It’s a matter of adding pickup rollers and possibly 3 rail wheelsets. I can’t comment as I’ve never done one but it seems pretty straight forward.
Many 3 railers who run Kadee’s , want fixed pilots and proper handrails opt for these models. Adding the rollers and wheels is easier than tackling the fixed pilots in some cases.
The question is are you looking to go for 3 rail scale and keep the Kadee’s or do a full blown conversion with coil couplers and swinging pilots.
As Dave said, a diesel conversion just entails swapping parts. If the parts are available, you can do it with nothing more than a screwdriver, and (possibly) a soldering iron. The question is, how sharp are your curves? A 6-axle loco with fixed pilots isn't going to pull a train on O36. I imagine you would need at least O54 and possibly O72.
Aren't couplers an issue with Fixed pilots too? G
Depending on the minimum track diameter you may only need pickup rollers. My two rail SD70 does fine on 072 with the wheels it came with.
Pete
