Minimum Radius

TG posted:

Does the larger radius required for 2 rail  because of the  locomotive's drivers and less so of the rolling stock scale wheels.  I have been toying with the idea of converting Ross track to 2 rail to keep the smaller radius turns; and putting scale wheels on the rolling stock to avoid shorting the track. I have MTH locos that are supposed to run on three or two rail with high flange wheels.

The biggest difference with 2-Rail SCALE steam locomotive models vs. 3-Rail steam models is, ALL the wheels are flanged on 2-Rail models. Thus, they require larger radius curves, unless of course you operate nothing but 0-4-0s or 0-6-0s. Another factor is, ALL the scale sized couplers, i.e. Kadee, are body mounted. The couplers do NOT swing with/on the trucks of 2-Rail rolling stock like the big claw couplers on 3-Rail equipment.

You do not need to convert Ross track. Simply order what you want from them and specify 2 rail. The simple answer is that any 2 rail engine can be made to negotiate the same radius as a 3 rail model IF you are willing to make compromises. Your MTH engines are a perfect example as they already have the compromises made. The "Hi-Rail" models have blind center drivers, lack of tail beam detail, etc... on steam. Here is an example of an MTH "HiRail" H-10 running on 2 rail Gargraves high-rail track:

Rolling stock with body mounted Kadee's will require broader curves, but I have run 40' PS-1 Boxcars on 24"r (O-48 equivalent) without problems. You can run longer shank couplers and even allow the box to pivot if necessary. There are tons of old 2R tricks that most people either don't know or have forgotten over the years.

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for the information. It sounds the track and scale wheels on the rolling stock are doable.  What about turnouts, where do you source them?

Tony

Hot Water, thank you for the explanation on the blind drivers etc.  It makes sense.

Tony

TG posted:

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for the information. It sounds the track and scale wheels on the rolling stock are doable.  What about turnouts, where do you source them?

Tony

Hi Tony,

2 Rail High-Rail turnouts are available from either Gargraves or Ross Custom Switches. For Ross you have to call and special order. Any of their track or turnouts can be ordered in 2 Rail if desired.

There can be some tweaking to do with scale wheels depending on what turnout you use, but it is doable. Ex. The larger #6 and #8 turnouts have a wide gap at the frog that allow scale wheels to drop into. There are ways to get around that.

Another option which can get a bit pricey is to order insulated 3R wheel sets from NWSL. They will track just fine through the turnouts and won't short out.

Hope that helps.