Is it possible to convert an MTH GP 38-2, 2 rail to 3 rail? I am assuming if it is possible it will be expensive. A little help please.
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Probably easiest to buy an inexpensive 3rd model and swap the shells...
Sure! It is possible.
Step 1) sell to me
Step 2) buy new one
.... (kidding.)
You have to state the model number for the age of it. The oldest ones are harder to convert. The newer with plastic bottom trucks are easier. So a wheel swap is in order. Than the roller pick-ups, and electric couplers for 3 rail if wanted? ( I have them.)
Are U staying with 3RS? (kd couplers?) or floating pilots?
Why would anyone want to do this?
prrjim posted:Why would anyone want to do this?
Because I have 3r. Why would anyone ask that? 
Engineer-Joe posted:Sure! It is possible.
Step 1) sell to me
Step 2) buy new one
You have to state the model number for the age of it. The oldest ones are harder to convert. The newer with plastic bottom trucks are easier. So a wheel swap is in order. Than the roller pick-ups, and electric couplers for 3 rail if wanted? ( I have them.)
Are U staying with 3RS? (kd couplers?) or floating pilots?
It is from 2012, (20-20255-2) and I would want it to have electric couplers etc, set up just like it came 3R.
http://mthtrains.com/20-20255-2
Nice engine! I've never tried to order the floating pilots from MTH. I convert mine the opposite direction. I run 2 rail. I believe each pilot is around $25+ shipping and you have to swap out the stuff added onto them (hoses, etc.). That's what I paid for 2 rail ones anyways.
The 3 rail wheel sets are easy to find as most have them. ($40?)
The pickup rollers are supplied with the 2 rail engine if there still in the box? U only have to worry about the railings on one end.
The wiring connectors for the couplers should already be in place under the shell. Watch when U install the three rail ones that U add the clear plastic insulators for the wires.
I have several 3 rail models waiting for conversion. I don't have a F40PH though. Rats! Let me know if I can help.
I would advise against installing the electro-couplers because they're designed to be used with the hi-rail pilots. The fixed pilots on the "-2" model MTH Diesels are designed for Kadees and don't have enough swing space. Unless you're doing a lot of switching, electo-couplers are pretty much unnecessary. I can count on one hand the times I used the electro-couplers on one of my engines during operation. That was one of the reasons it was so easy for me to stop buying the "-1" MTH engines in favor of the "-2" scale-wheeled models. I don't even change the wheels out.
AGHRMatt posted:I would advise against installing the electro-couplers because they're designed to be used with the hi-rail pilots. The fixed pilots on the "-2" model MTH Diesels are designed for Kadees and don't have enough swing space. Unless you're doing a lot of switching, electo-couplers are pretty much unnecessary. I can count on one hand the times I used the electro-couplers on one of my engines during operation. That was one of the reasons it was so easy for me to stop buying the "-1" MTH engines in favor of the "-2" scale-wheeled models. I don't even change the wheels out.
What Matt said. My strong advice is to sell it and use the money to purchase the "-1" version. The "-1" version shouldn't be that hard to find.
If you like the engine I would go with Engineer-Joe. I have a GP38 also that I want to switch to 3 rail, just because it is the first O scale engine that I got and was given to me by an old friend that helped me build my very first layout.
I once installed a weaver lobster claw on the back of a -2 version of the PS3 Dash9 loco. It worked fine, but there is hardly any swing. As long as you have a minimum of 36" radius (or o-72 in this case), you should be fine.
Not worth the trouble I believe. I have not bought any motive power from that site because of all the scams and then the guy only had 46 sales. Think I will pass on this one. Time to buy a GP38-2 of a different line and just have someone paint it, I guess. Neb called every MTH dealer in the South, East & West coasts with no luck. There is a guy that has plenty of them on his youtube video.
Neb, here is one link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqJfJUAnLMY
