MTH 3/2 conversion engine help

 Chris, the one time I tried this, I noticed the dummy trucks did not have the proper gearing or the wiring. I swapped the whole truck out.

Chris

Not quite sure what you are asking: Is it convert a 3 rail dummy to a 2 rail dummy? Or is it to convert a 3 rail dummy to a 2 rail powered unit?

If its the 3 r dummy to 2 r dummy, you can simply swap out the wheel sets. IF, the powered version of that dummy came with Proto 3 - 2 conversion capability. For example, you can convert a 3 rail F7 separate sale dummy to 2 rail, because the original F7 ABA set came with proto 3-2 conversion capability

If it is 3 rail dummy to 2 rail powered, what Joe said is correct. It gets real cumbersome. You can mount the motor to a dummy truck block, but you also need to add the spur gears on the sides, the bottom plate that electrically ties the two insulated wheels together (it has a strip of metal on it), and a plunger assembly that picks up power from the insulated wheels.  I would not go that route, unless you have access to a complete powered 2 rail truck

John and Joe;

Yes, I am looking to convert a 3R dummy to a 2 rail powered unit. If the OEM dummy trucks cannot be successfully converted to a powered truck without swapping out the entire truck, then you've answered my question.

If, I can get to speak to a living, breathing person at MTH who can tell me if the bottom covers, motors, gears, et al are available for parts purchase, then I may go that route. Otherwise I'll just have to wait it out to procure my second unit.

Thanks!

I would peruse eBay for a powered version of a similar locomotive and do a chassis and pilot swap. You'll have to remove the wiring/lighting harness from the shells and the smoke unit manifolds and swap them. Then just re-sell the left-over as a dummy to recoup some of your funds. Since the bulk of what I've seen on eBay is 3-rail, you'll still have to go through the process of fixing the pilots/swapping the wheelsets, but in the end you'll have a powered 2-rail unit.

What Matt says.  Of course it is possible to convert a dummy block to powered, but the parts cost would exceed the cost of a new unit at list price with all the stuff you want.

In fact, the parts cost alone would probably be double the cost of the new powered unit. Then you would have the labor and aggravation . . .

Ten years ago, the motor and worm alone was $75, and you would need two of those.

Matt,

I may have to go the route you suggest, or be patient for a 2 rail to turn up someday.

I want to recognize and thank the folks at Stockyard Express in Ohio for at least trying to help me get the combination I was looking for. Very nice people.

Chris,

 Assuming you have easy access to the FM trainmaster dummy and if its just a powered chassis you are after, try public delivery track.  They have a powered 2 rail FM trainmaster not sure which road.  Swap the shells and other parts onto the dummy and consider it done, then sell the 3 rail dummy.