MTH 2-rail to 3-rail Conversion Problem

Why is it insulated? Wouldn't that be a two rail axle? Confused.

Daniel, all of the MTH 3/2 locomotives have insulated axles. The insulator is in the center of the axle. When run in 3 rail mode they are electrically connected inside the locomotive. This is what allows the locomotive to run on either 2 rail or 3 rail regardless if the user uses the scale wheels or high rail wheels. 

Trainstuff13, I had a little trouble changing my wheel sets on a GP9 too. I would keep trying to get it in there but be gentle with it. If it still doesn't work look for a burr or something in the way that is causing the problem. It's probably something simple that is alluding your eye. Good luck and keep us posted. 

Make sure there isn't a shim caught in the slot. In the conversion sets, shims are included which leads me to believe there might be shims already present within the trucks.

I'll keep trying. I don't think there's anything in there but I'll look at it with a flashlight and see if I missed anything. I'll keep you all posted. 

I have installed a lot of axles in their diesels and they all have fit. Some were tight. You have to align them just right, or sometimes they'll fight you.

 I can believe that there maybe a special problem with yours.... I just would guess that it's only a very tight fit and has to be just right to fit.

Hello Trainstuff  Looking at your first photo it looks like the insulated bearing is lined up correct, however it does not appear to be down in the bearing pocket far enough. When you took the original scale wheelsets out was the insulated bearing on that side of the truck? Also when there is no axle installed inside the bearing pocket, there is a small shiny flat metal piece in the bottom that can be removed with small pliers. you can take that out and save it, then try the three rail axle again. The center three rail wheels do not touch the track. If you are running large diameter curves you can run the two rail center axle.              You can send me an email.

 are you in southeast Mich ?

I have O-72 min curve, so the scale wheel set shouldn't be a problem. Now the problem is the ride height. And yes, I am in SE Mich.

clem k posted:

When you took the original scale wheelsets out was the insulated bearing on that side of the truck?

That is a great point. You can swap the wheelsets in error. Make sure they go back in the exact way they come out.

They are placed correctly. I know because I screwed it up and had to fix it, lol.

Great. The only other thing I just thought of is getting them seated fully. As I install the plastic cover and start to tighten the screws, I tap on the wheels to make sure they are fully seated. Sometimes they aren't. I can tell using all 2 rail wheels because the truck will pivot on the axle that's not seated fully when set upright on the bench or track.

Hudson J1e posted:

Daniel, all of the MTH 3/2 locomotives have insulated axles. The insulator is in the center of the axle. When run in 3 rail mode they are electrically connected inside the locomotive. This is what allows the locomotive to run on either 2 rail or 3 rail regardless if the user uses the scale wheels or high rail wheels. 

 

Trainstuff13, I had a little trouble changing my wheel sets on a GP9 too. I would keep trying to get it in there but be gentle with it. If it still doesn't work look for a burr or something in the way that is causing the problem. It's probably something simple that is alluding your eye. Good luck and keep us posted. 

Thank you for that info.

Hello trainstuff, How are you doing with the wheel swap? 

Everything's working now, but there's still a problem with the ride height. I posted a photo yesterday and it shows that the space between the trucks and the bottom of the shell is kinda big, and I don't think it was like that before. 

MIDNIGHTWRECKING: No problem.

Trainstuff13: That is very strange. I don't see how changing wheel sets could affect the ride height but you never know.  Is the ride height different from truck to truck? Do you have a similar locomotive you could compare it to?

It's the same on both trucks. The only other 6 axel loco I have is a Premier Dash 9 and it's definitely higher than that one. 

Glad to here your up and running !!

Here is a photo of my SD45T that shows the ride height between body and trucks can't see why  that would change with a wheel change.    Also notice I use the 2 rail axle in the center position.This height is probably to high.

Clem 

Clem

I'll have to remember that for next time I convert one of these things again. And the ride height is probably a seperate issue, I'll have the guys at Wild Bills Trains look at it.