Converting MTH dummy to 2 rail?

Chris,

Maybe you could get a 2 rail version in another road name and then order the correct body shell?

There is also the well known auction and all the various wanted/for sale boards. I'm sure one will come along sooner or later.

A look at the MTH parts website may answer some questions:

https://extranet.mth-railking.com/partsorder/

Good Luck,

Simon

 The ones I purchased are just dummy trucks. They're missing all the gears, and even the electrical pickups needed for two rail. The ability to switch wheelsets is usually shown with the 3/2 on the box. I forget the exact year, like '06?? '08??There were some that had the ability that aren't marked during the transition year.

 I have this dummy and it came with 3/2 trucks!

http://mthtrains.com/content/20-2875-3

http://mthtrains.com/search/ap...oduct_line%3APremier

it looks like there's only one that is 2 rail and only one road number.

here's all the roads

http://mthtrains.com/search/ap...?filters=type%3Aitem

railking models don't have the 3/2 trucks for sure.

thanks for your well-meant replies. the MTH site does not have a parts diagram for the 2 rail trainmaster, I had already looked. the diagram for the 3 rail version does not show enough detail in the trucks, so I assumed they were a 'captured axle' style.

Joe, do your dummy trucks have captured axles?

 Nope Chris, the newer dummies have the newer truck design too when there's a scale version available. It's just empty inside and out without gearing. You can switch out their axles on models that claim 3/2. There are some models that weren't offered with these trucks. Railking models don't have them either.

 I've even ordered fixed pilots for a model once. They didn't have them anytime I've tried since. My dummies have home made shims that I build to replicate how Atlas fixes their pilots. Then I just drill and tap for KDs.

 I'd bet this has the 3/2 trucks.

http://mthtrains.com/content/20-20128-3

 I've never seen it. You could ask if the trucks have removeable plastic bottoms, then you know for sure.

 Thanks for ship the board!

like I said, I emailed MTH over a week ago about this, per the instructions on their website, but no one there has given a reply. hence the reason I posted this topic.

its hopeful news they would use a bare convertible truck block on this model, it means that cobbling together a functional 2 rail unit is possible.

Chris, I have taken a dummy AC6000 and powered it up using a SD70ACE. There's a lot of parts to swap out and even the trucks mounting configuration is moveable. Basically as you know, you're pretty much assembling a whole engine as if you were in the factory with all the parts laid out. It was a good thing that those two worked out. The donor engine may have to be closer to what you need. I have spair parts that helped me.

Chris a while back I wanted 5 CSX ES44's, I purchased 2 ES44 dummies along with 3 powered units.  The dummies were easy to convert with the drop in 3/2 wheel sets and fix the pilots with styrene and epoxy fill.  If you want a second powered unit that maybe tougher but you can get another DWL in the same road # and either re decal new numbers or purchase a dummy with a different road # and swap shells.  

And another option if you are fine with the dummy, you could always make a paired up trainmonster.  Pull one motor and geared truck out of the powered unit, put it into the dummy.  Remove the dummy truck and install into the powered unit.  With both units powered add weight over the powered trucks and even more on the empty the dummy.

I appreciate the input. I gives me reason to think this project can be done. Thanks!