Locomotive Questions

Could you clarify the track you are planning on using ?  "O31" implies a Lionel 3 rail track system with a curve diameter under 36" -- is that correct ?

SZ

Thanks for your response. I had mistakenly assumed that Lionel was O-27...part of our learning curve. We have not purchased track as yet, so we can go with what best suits the locomotive.

I'm further assume we would adopt Atlas 2-track O-guage track as our standard. Thank you.

try a soundtrax Blunami 4400 decoder. it will run off track power or battery and give you full control and sound and is controlled by the Blunami app on your phone , no dcc or other system needed. it has outputs for speaker and lights. I have them in several of my 2 rail locos and one in a three rail. cost is about $250. check out soundtrack web site lots of how to videos.

Engine should have a standard DC motor.  Not the universal or pulmor that ran ac or dc.  Dc only motors are more power friendly.

Around the room, …can you be more specific? …….is it overhead?….If so, dead rail might be my last choice, as every time you need to charge the battery, it’s going to be a hassle,……if it’s at arm’s reach, then never mind……sorry to bust a bubble, but 500 bucks ain’t much room to buy an engine, & have it dead railed……..gonna be kinda tight IMO,…

Pat

Thanks for these replies. We're getting smarter and closer to the starting line.

Some of the Bachman G gauge locomotives have a switch that lets you change from dc power to battery power. Of course you would need some kind of motor control to control speed and direction. As far as the wireless control I know of 2 Airwire and Railpro

Are there 2-rail locomotives that operate on O-31? That is 15.5" radius.

One of the shortest 2-rail locomotives, like the GP38-2, from the former MTH, advises a minimum radius of 31", that is twice your O-31, requirement.

The shortest, 2-rail locomotives from Atlas, like the SW switcher, advise a minimum radius of 24".

These are just my opinion,

Naveen Rajan

I want to learn more about Deadrail for 2 rail. I think it would be a good way to run trains.

To Harmonyyards, this is a fairly low ceiling mount.

To Harley Rider, we are struggling to find DC or DCC 2 rail locomotives that we can convert for battery and wireless operations. We're determined, however, hope you are too.

G Wolfe, I have 2 rail locomotives that have can motors, so I think they will work for deadrail. I would look for 2 rail locomotives .

Some people have converted Williams by Bachmann GE 44 toners to run on two rail, but it requires new wheel sets and other modifications.

Atlas has announced a rerun of the GP15-1 in 2 rail analog DC, which have a planned 4th quarter 2024 delivery and may still be available for preorder.  If available, that might be an option for you to convert to DCC and possibly deadhead.  I've added a Blunami 4400 one of my older GP15-1s, along with a Tang Band T1-1925S speaker.  I also removed the Atlas dogbone circuit board, which would help free up space for a battery.

GW:  Where -- in a general sense, say, what state -- are you and this layout-to-be located ?  At the risk of sounding like a broken record, because I tell every beginner in 2R 0 this, the BEST thing you can do is get to a 2R 0 show such as Strasburg, 0 Scale West in CA, or -- the best choice, if at all possible -- the March Meet in Chicago.  These are the places you will not only find the most affordable stuff,  especially locomotives and track, that you need, but also the best place to get your questions answered, "hands on".  The opportunity to meet other 2Rérs, hopefully local to you, would be a big plus.  If you have questions about this, send a message to my OGR email.

Also:  Put an ad here in the OGR Forum for the type of BNSF loco(s) -- 4 axle, 6 axle, no patch paint, etc -- you are looking for;  that will help us narrow in on what you 'need'.  Don't forget to specify scale wheels.

Best rgds, SZ

I think SZ's advice is right on. For some reason, 2 rail O scale can be hard to find, but at 2 rail shows, you see stuff you never knew they made. A lot of 3 rail can also be converted to 2 rail, so please don't give up. 2 rail may be a minority, but we're here to help!