Is MTH 20-20310-1 DRGW PA ABA Convertible to Scale Wheels

Bill

Generally if there were no -2 version offered, then its not a straight drop in on that model.   If you want further corroboration, see if MTH offered any PA's with scale wheels. If not, then they did not produce the tooling for those three axle trucks with that capability.

I haven't seen them offered with scale wheels or the Proto 3-2 option. I think they're still running on the old truck block design. The same situation seems to be the case with the E6/E7/E8's. I wish they'd get around to getting the -2 series into those models as I'd really like a set of CNW E8's and a set of ATSF PA's in my collection.

Try Joe Foerkolb.  He posts to this forum and does 3 rail to 2 rail conversions.  I do not know what he charges but the last comments I read were that he is reasonable.

Ed

I just pulled my ATSF PA's out of the box and the label does say 3-2 conversion capable. If it is the conversion is not simple like on the other diesels, you will have to remove the entire truck.

Matt, what is the 20- number on your ATSF PA's.  Are they PS3?  This to see if they are the same as the one I'm interested in.  -- just different railroad.  Do yours have the non-flanged wheel set with no bearings on the end rather than in the middle of the trucks?  If yes, best I remember from my 3 rail engines that wheel set just sorta hangs there and is not rolling in real bearings?   Thx, Bill

20-20311-1 PS3 ATSF Alco Pa's

The box says it is convertible but the trucks do not look like you can convert them

Matt, thanks for the 20- number and the rest. 

I'm all but certain that it's the same product as the Rio Grande version.  Same words in the product description and same on-line detailed manual.  Same product delivery date, etc.   The product description itemized list does not have words stating it's convertible.  Yet several dealers line item descriptions do.  Probably just a tech writing goof somewhere along the line. 

The detailed on-line manual makes no mention of converting it. 

So, it's looking like MTH is putting out PS3 engines that can do DCC but not 2 rail.  Funny combination.  

Bill

 I have a RK three rail steamer from a starter set that has a tiny switch for DCC under the tender. I bet it would never get used.

 Their products have the same guts inside and increased capabilities from them. I would have hoped that MTH would release all future models with 3/2 trucks. Maybe after some problems with three railers, They are abandoning the idea? Just seems like we're going backwards lately.

 I'm glad I got the models I was after when I did. The ones I've missed, are as scarce as they can be. I too wanted a set of 2 rail Es in NYC for my RR. I wanted the U30s and some others. Even a Niagara with scale wheels. Maybe a good thing as I just have too many engines myself. I can't possibly run them all anymore...... unless  I get more power???? 

Couple of things: first, they did offer the PA in 2-rail, just like the SD-9 and others.  You cannot tell whether they are convertible by looking at an old dash number.

The older trucks came with insulated 2- rail wheelsets and pickups.  The new truck can be disassembled and converted with a screwdriver.  Two vastly different designs.  Also the older trucks had the wrong wheelbases - I had a table, and I published it here, but I have long since forgotten where.

The Train Master has good trucks.  I suspect that the plan is to upgrade all models to that standard.  I have no inside info.  Perhaps we can start a new list of upgraded trucks?

My hope that the MTH Rio Grande PA's can be directly/easily converted is not looking very good at this point.  Maybe I will do like Doyle McCormack is doing with his full sized PA and just put FM Erie Built 2 rail trucks under it.  I have a few sets of Atlas O FM Erie Built 2 rail trucks.  

Just kidding.  We'll sort of just kidding.  It's tempting to see what would be involved but probably better to just keep looking.  But is seems that O scale 2 rail models of Rio Grande 1st generation diesels are very hard to find.  Anyway, thanks to all of you -- up to this point -- for your inputs.  Bill

That is an excellent idea, and not all that difficult.  The various trucks are different, but the keyhole mount is very close, from MTH to Atlas and Weaver.  My mind is fading on small details, but I believe I put Atlas trucks in MTH, and then got Weaver Alco trucks for cheap and put them in the Atlas SD-35 bodies.

Here is the Weaver in Atlas - needs to be lowered, but I have other more interesting projects.  

Thanks to all for your help.  I was hoping that it would be a simple, straightforward swap.  Buy the 3 rail MTH engines and the MTH 2 rail wheel sets and do the swap and got on with life. But, your collective inputs show that it's ain't gonna happen.  So, I'll keep looking for 2 rail Rio Grande 1st generation cab units and will consider it a bonus if it turns out to be MTH PS3 DCC/DCS 2 rail/3 rail like my two MTH PS3 steam engines which I successfully run at home 2 rail/DCC and at the club 3 rail?DCS. 

Bill