Is it possible to convert a 2 rail E7 to 3 rail? Can I get the wheelsets and lobster claw couplers?
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Any things possible. If it's a sunset model Perhaps Scott can offer the parts.
Rod Miller
It is not as easy as it might sound. Early 3rd Rail diesels aren't wired nearly as well as the current generation. I tried converting an FL9 from two to three rail and the wiring harness is hard wired. All the wire was white as well. It's not impossible, just a lot of work to figure out. The difference was my FL9 was a 2 rail dummy and I switched shells for with a three rail power unit. Ultimately I paid 3rd Rail to do the work for me. Their in-house techs did a wonderful job and it is currently running on my layout these days.
If you want to take it on, Scott likely has the parts for at least the wheels and the couplers. He may not have the electronics, but I'd get something better than what the E7 originally had anyway. That project was 6 years ago. I have one lobster claw somewhere from changing out the pilot of my lead FL9 to a Kadee. If you can't find one, consider it yours once I dig it out.
Should you decide to take on this project, post lots of pictures! Good luck!
My reason for the E7 is that I purchased the last TWO 3rd rail E7 Tuscan 5 stripe units but there was no matching B unit at the time.
Well I called 3rd rail up today to inquire about the wheels and couplers to convert to 3 rail. I was told by the lady answering the phone that they do not have those parts available.
You could use the parts from a Williams E7 to convert your dummy from 2 rail to 3 rail.
You try to find a 2 railer who has a 3 rail and swap chassis. By the way the kady couplers will couple up to 3 rail couplers.
prrhorseshoecurve posted:Well I called 3rd rail up today to inquire about the wheels and couplers to convert to 3 rail. I was told by the lady answering the phone that they do not have those parts available.
Such an answer doesn't surprise me, as they probably have never received a request to convert ANY of their 2-Rail locomotives to 3-Rail.
You do realize that no PRR E7 B unit model was made because PRR owned no B units?
Chuck
PRR1950 posted:You do realize that no PRR E7 B unit model was made because PRR owned no B units?
Chuck
I have two Sunset E7 B units in PRR since the PRR did have them. I used to see them running frequently on the Northern Central between Baltimore and Harrisburg. They had no E8 B units though.
rheil posted:PRR1950 posted:You do realize that no PRR E7 B unit model was made because PRR owned no B units?
Chuck
I have two Sunset E7 B units in PRR since the PRR did have them. I used to see them running frequently on the Northern Central between Baltimore and Harrisburg. They had no E8 B units though.
I thought so too, Bob. Although I'm NOT an SPF, a quick Google search revealed that the PRR had 46 E7A units and 14 E7B units.
My apologies; confused E8 history with E7 history.
Chuck
Well so much for that idea. I was outbid on everything. Oh well. I really didn't need another project anyway.
