Is it easy to make 2R dummy from MTH 3R dummy?

My recollection is that the scale wheels will swap into the dummy. I have to check a dummy unit I have to see if there's a 2/3 switch to control the lights.

I think Mike Pitogo and Engineer Joe have converted non-powered 3-rail units to 2-rail. Hopefully they'll chime in on this.

Hay Martin,

I converted a MTH premier 3 rail SP tunnel motor dummy loco to a 2 rail model by adding the 2rail conversion powered wheelsets. If the dummy unit has the 3r/2r conversion capable trucks, then it is an easy swap of the wheelsets.

The unit I converted wasn't a factory-lighted dummy, so I don't know if it would require rewiring or not. At a later date I was going to add my own lighting system but never got around to it.

I'm pretty sure the 70ace that you're wanting to convert, has the conversion capable trucks already, allowing easy conversion with wheelsets.

I just carefully drill out the side frames, make new bolsters, and install steel scale wheels.  Run the powered unit in front, and forget about the lights.

you can tell when it's 3/2 capable just by the trucks having plastic removable bottoms.

the lighting is not wired for this conversion when it has it. It's only for three rail. There's no pickups for two rail use.

Martin, I've done 4 of these- same things as done to the powered for attaching the pilots and giving it full hand rails. If it is a SD70ACe, then it has the 3/2 capabletruck blocks. All SD70ACe's have these. Run it second or third in the MU and forget the lighting part.

Thanks for all the advice guys.  I'm not going to worry about the lighting.  

If anyone wants to trade a set of 2-rail wheels for the 3-rail wheels I'm going to liberate from this MTH premier, send me an email.

Thanks

Martin

I'm not sure why they mixed in some regular trucks with the dummies only. Maybe they did it to save money or use what they had. I have seen dummies ACes without the plastic bottoms.

 I have seen where the powered engine has plastic bottom 2 rail trucks and yet the matching dummy from the same run does not.

Here's a pic of the front.  I fixed the pilot w 0.156" spacers, installed the kadee 742, filled in the gap around the kadee box with more styrene strips, and fabricated a new handrail to extend further down.  I also had to drill new holes to mount the snowplow closer.

All I need now is the scale wheels.  Anyone interested in trading these high-rail wheels for scale?

looks like a great job from here!

Heres' how the back end turned out.

 I made a 3rail dummy into a 2 rail dummy. I had duplicate SD70M-2 demo's of the same road # so I just swapped the chassis out. I'll put her in the middle of the M2's consist.

Good evening

Hey I could use those 3 rail wheel sets from your dummy units I have 2 rail wheel sets to trade or purchase your dummy wheel sets.Thats what i'm looking for is wheels without traction tires.

Clem k

Clem, I could go look for you. I have to tell you first, that I think the dummy wheel sets don't have gears. I'll have to check. Someone wanted to trade me a long time ago for my first O gauge engine was a MTH dummy. It was missing a gear to work in a powered engine.

Thanks Martin for that info. I had missed it.

Chuck

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Clem, I sent U an email to trade. I have around 11 sets!

Engineer-Joe

I'm checking my stock now

Clem k

"Is it easy to make 2R dummy from MTH 3R dummy?"

No!!

I poured this part about a dozen times. Of course when the mold has flaws, the part is worse. I ended up with two pieces before the mold crapped out! I had plans of mass producing them! I think someone would be better off with 3D printing these.

 I traded an engine to Mike P here on the forum. I had to replace the pilot. The previous owner had bored out the fixed pilot and mounted an Atlas electric coupler to the rear truck. I hate when people do that. I wish it was mounted to the body. It's so large that I understand why it was done. These fixed pilots are so hard to get, I would think someone would have produced them by now. BUT NOT ME!!!

Does anyone want to trade me 3-rail wheel sets, with the geared middle axle, for new 2-rail wheel sets? These are 6-axle units- have 6 sets to trade.

I should wait for Clem. I right now have six 3 rail 6axle powered sets to trade. I have 5 3 rail six axle dummy sets. I probably can dig up more under the tables. Some 4 axled too.

Trades in progress....

Joe you have mail

Gentleman I am always looking for MTH High rail diesel wheels without traction tires even the ones from non-2/3 rail locomotives, I can pull them off the axles. If any of you need axles, gears, blind center drivers or traction tire high rail wheels let me know.

Clem