Help needed for a newby!!

To run the 2 rail loco, you will need track that has a squared off profile and also has outside rails that are not electrically connected to one another.

 

That leaves out traditional O gauge tubular track, Lionel Fastrack and others.

/

 

You might be OK with Altas track, Gargraves track, and...?

 

 

BTW, it was a 39 Ford deluxe coupe that got me into old cars 50 years ago. Loved the looks of it.

Frankly, your two trains have about as much in common as an apple and a fire engine.

 

All of the technical issues aside, how much space do you have for a layout? Keep in mind 2 rail takes a lot more.

 

My advice: pick one and enjoy it.

39FordMan,

 

As John has indicated above, as long as you keep your layout design very simple, you can do what you propose.  However, you will probably become bored very quickly watching trains chase their tale, and you should still learn something about the differences between AC wiring and DC wiring.  Using the correct transformer / power pack is only one of the differences, and you should build in protection for each engine from the accidental exposure to the "wrong" type of power.

 

This hobby is an adventure which can be quite fun if you take the time to learn what you need to know (lots of books, publications, on-line help, etc.) before you make a costly error.

 

Chuck

Well U could add a bridge rect in the 2 rail one but......

What in the world would the layout end up like?

How would U handle all the yards and rolling stock and.......

 Go with the force (2 rail is calling U).

I would create two separate loops. Run your 2 rail DC on 2 rail track, and keep the Lionel on its track on AC. Keeps it simple. 

 

You have offered the most simple way to handle this but after giving it
some serious thought you may have given me the best solution. Thanks for the
response.

Walter

In a message dated 7/7/2014 8:32:36 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
alerts@hoop.la writes:

I'm also in the hybrid situation, having a large investment in 3-rail equipment with an increasing stable of 2-rail equipment. The present plan is for a hybrid layout that can be switched between 2-rail and 3-rail.

 

Ross, Gargraves, Atlas and MTH ScaleTrax are fully insulated -- the outside rails are not tied together. The turnouts in each need to be used with caution as they are often wired for continuity and in the process may not be 2-rail compatible (until you cut the bridge wires out).

 

The Lima is going to require wider curves than your Lionel (the Lionel will look/run better on wider curves too). A minimum radius of about 48" would be pretty close the smallest the Lima could get around (O-96 in 3-rail speak).

 

The Lionel will need taller rail, so ScaleTrax is about the smallest rail profile you'd be able to get away with. The Lima won't care as long as the railhead is flat as it is with the track mentioned above.

 

Hope this helps some.