MTH 3 Rail conversion to fixed pilot and scale wheels

Thor sells the pilot conversion and MTH sells the scale wheel sets. The hand rails you have to do yourself.

I made my own pilots before Thor released his. I can't post a direct link to the pilots as he's not a OGR dealer I believe?

Look for Thor in the shapeways site under O scale stuff.

Let me know if I can help you. The wheel swaps are pretty straight forward as long as you don't mix them up or force something.

This is one of my favorite engines or I'd sell it to you. I really like the sounds and the look. I wish MTH released it RTR 2 rail!!!

Thanks Joe,

I see pilots for an MTH SD90MAC, I assume they are the same and fit the 80mac??

Do you know someone who can buy the parts and do the conversion for me? You up for it?

Thanks

Sal

Sal_S2 posted:

Is there anyone out there who converts MTH 3 Rail to fixed pilot 2 rail?

I'm strongly considering buying a Conrail SD80MAC, but as you may know it only comes in the typical 3 rail high rail configuration. Before spending 450 for the loco, id like to know if it can be converted and if there is someone out there who I can work with to do the job??

 

Thanks

Sal

 

On many of the newer MTH diesel locomotives, the trucks are set up with removable axles for 2-rail conversion. However, the earlier units have "captive" wheels which need to be removed using a press. The operative phrase to look for in the product description is "Proto 3-2". Engines so equipped can switch between 3-rail mode and 2-rail operation via a slide switch.

As to the sound systems, Protosound3 engines are compatible with DCC and don't have polarity issues under 2-rail DCS. Although I haven't made a full switch to 2-rail, I try to only but the engines that come factory equipped with scale wheels and fixed pilots.

I could do the wheels and the pilots. I have to paint the pilots and they'll be close to the original. 

I never do the handrails.

Email me I have some other questions and can you send me some pics of the conrail sd80mac?

Salamoni427@gmail.com 

I had already sent you an email about the pilots. I just saw this. I will send pics next and post here.

Here's mine with cut up MTH 3 rail pilots mounted with shims (just laying on frame for quick pic). 

here she is with the Thor pilots

Forgot about my first attempt maybe ten years ago that sits on my shelf behind me to this day. It's just a dummy loco and I never converted the old fashion "trapped axle" trucks to 2 rail. It looked like it wouldn't have been worth the effort back then. I should go back and finish it, …. just to do it.

Maybe I could just do a NS patch over the UP road number to show the NS rebuild program? Might fit better with the Conrail in the lead.

I should thank you Sal. I forgot that I ordered the Thor pilots. They had been thrown off my bench when we had a water accident and were in a bag headed for the garbage. It's a good thing that I never finished cleaning up from that accident fully and your post sent me looking for them!

AGHRMatt posted:

Sal_S2 posted:

Is there anyone out there who converts MTH 3 Rail to fixed pilot 2 rail?

I'm strongly considering buying a Conrail SD80MAC, but as you may know it only comes in the typical 3 rail high rail configuration. Before spending 450 for the loco, id like to know if it can be converted and if there is someone out there who I can work with to do the job??

 

Thanks

Sal

 

On many of the newer MTH diesel locomotives, the trucks are set up with removable axles for 2-rail conversion. However, the earlier units have "captive" wheels which need to be removed using a press. The operative phrase to look for in the product description is "Proto 3-2". Engines so equipped can switch between 3-rail mode and 2-rail operation via a slide switch.

As to the sound systems, Protosound3 engines are compatible with DCC and don't have polarity issues under 2-rail DCS. Although I haven't made a full switch to 2-rail, I try to only but the engines that come factory equipped with scale wheels and fixed pilots.

Come on Matt. You of all people should know this engine is a must have! (East coast thing maybe?)

MTH should have made it in 2 rail!

An MTH 3 to 2 rail conversion is not complicated even with the old solid block truck assembly. As stated you need a press and wheel puller to do the conversion and will have to configure an electrical pickup for the insulated side of the wheels.  Thanks Joe for making me aware of Thor and his Shapeways items, I'll check it out. The newer 3-2 capable truck block is simply a matter of removing the bottom plate and changing out the 3 rail wheel sets for MTH 2 rail wheel sets.

In past projects I have scratch built spacers for my pilots, if there is an easier way I'm all for it. Haven't gotten into modifying my handrails for 2 rail scale yet, but again that's another "Round to it" project. Best Regards; Gene 

Here's what they look like with a quick gloss black paint job.

update with parts attached. They are delicate!

VERY nice. 

Thanks 

I've done 25 of these conversions and have made my own pilot fillers and lengthened the handrails. I like those 3D pilots a lot too. Here is a pair of SD70ACe locos that I did. I also changed the cab numbers on one, added GPS domes, and cab side shades. I would like to add more details like better air hoses, etc.

Nice work again Jeff. I like the look of the handrails fully extended.

There you go Sal. Jeff does work on these models and can paint match them too. I've seen many of his models go up for sale.

I broke one of the new printed pilots placing and removing the shell continuously. It seemed to go back together fairly well. If I get another set, I may make a mold and pour it out of Alumilite resin for better strength. I'm also think of changing out the air hoses to something that will bend better. I'm not sure if the optional finer detail plastic material is stronger?

 If someone else here uses these printed pilots, I'd have to recommend leaving some small space or slop between the pilot and the coupler mount, maybe more so on the rear pilot so not to affect the coupler length hitting. The MTH design, makes removing and especially replacing the shell a tight fitting job. It seems to be the way the taillights are mounted on a tall metal stand that can bind up when the frame goes back in. You need some slight wiggle room. The pilot design removes some of the free play.