Some Random Thoughts...

StrummerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I saw this engine on eBay, so I bought it, thinking it might look nice on a bookshelf.

This is my first "modern" Lionel, and as I've mentioned elsewhere, it's terrific.

Although running it wasn't my initial intention, I then purchased a batch of "FasTrack", so I could see it in action. It (the track) too is very nice.

I have a small fleet of 2-rail, and I thought I'd have to convert some of the freight cars to run with this loco; imagine my surprise (and delight) when I discovered that, for whatever reason, the existing 2-rail wheels are compatible with Fastrack. Must be in the design of the rails themselves...plus, the "claw"-type coupler on the tender I'm using (#2466) does indeed mate with the KDs, something I've read before, but never actually tried.

This just keeps getting better and better!

Anyway, I thought I'd share this happy story with you all...as I mentioned before, the whole "3 Rail Scale/ Hi Rail" thing was lost on me, but given the vast amount and selection of motive power (and rolling stock) that's available in this field, it now makes sense!

Mark in Oregon

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9/25/1812:10 PM

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Bob SeverinOGR Forum Member

And so, it begins. Welcome to three rail. Have you planned your layout yet?

9/25/1812:36 PM

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Tinplate ArtOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Ah, and now we all know the rest of the story......LOL!

9/25/181:36 PM

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D500OGR Forum Member

"the existing 2-rail wheels are compatible with Fastrack."

This surprises me, too, given the shape of the FasTrack "railhead"; most other 3RO rails are the same as the 2RO versions. You did not mention having switches - this is the place that 2RO and 3RO wheels usually part company, primarily relative to the frog. Flange depth and tread width from different standards.

If you can ignore the center rail (I don't like it either, but there it is), the big couplers and swinging diesel pilots (both can be addressed; many do; I often "fix" the pilots, but the large couplers are just part of the weather, to me) and the large flanges (but this equipment will really stay on the track, son - and they're no larger proportionately than N-scale flanges), 3RO/Hi-Rail (me)/3RScale has a lot to offer.

You don't have to get into the "toy" end of it (not that there's anything wrong with that direction) to enjoy the benefits of 3RO - but your wallet may get nervous because so much nice stuff is out there - especially used and low-mileage.

9/25/182:27 PM

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GG1 4877OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have run 2 rail cars on GarGraves and Lionel traditional track. Outside of bouncing hard through turnouts, they do just fine. I don't see much problem mixing and matching. Enjoy running your trains!

9/25/183:11 PM

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PRRMP54OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Strummer posted:
..plus, the "claw"-type coupler on the tender I'm using (#2466) does indeed mate with the KDs, something I've read before, but never actually tried.
Mark in Oregon

Yes, they do; note that the scale coupler is a Scalecraft dummy and the track is O-48 Fastrack: