MTH Hi Rail vs. Scale Rail

Sounds like your a three railer like me. You should probably buy the three rail version. I buy the two rail version because I like the Fixed pilots on the two rail models, which also use the Kadee couplers. Also need large diameter curves for two rail version.

Eric,

The models with the Hi-Rail wheels are like your current PS-2 models; made with deep tin plate flanges.  The models with Scale-Rail wheels have smaller flanges that look more realistic but do not track well on Tin Plate track.  Scale-Rail wheels work better on track like Atlas O with flat top rails.

And as Clem mentioned, the Scale-Rail wheeled engines need larger radius curves so check MTH's web site for requirements.

If you have Tin Pate type track (rounded tops), I would also recommend you buy the engines with Hi-Rail wheels.

Eric Hall posted:

I see in the MTH 2018 catalog some Premier Diesel Engines are offered with Hi Rail wheels and some with Scale Rail wheels. All the engines I have bought in the past are PS2 so I am not sure what wheels they have. Any limitations on the track I choose for my layout if I buy Hi Rail or Scale wheel engines? 

I too have been a little confused at times.  Seems like I've seen ads (not sure if MTH or maybe Lionel?) for "3-Rail Wheels", "Hi-Rail Wheels,", and "2-Rail Wheels".

The 2-rail wheels are obvious (scale contours), but what's the difference between "3-Rail Wheels" and "Hi-Rail Wheels"?

Mixed Freight posted:

Eric Hall posted:

I see in the MTH 2018 catalog some Premier Diesel Engines are offered with Hi Rail wheels and some with Scale Rail wheels. All the engines I have bought in the past are PS2 so I am not sure what wheels they have. Any limitations on the track I choose for my layout if I buy Hi Rail or Scale wheel engines? 

I too have been a little confused at times.  Seems like I've seen ads (not sure if MTH or maybe Lionel?) for "3-Rail Wheels", "Hi-Rail Wheels,", and "2-Rail Wheels".

The 2-rail wheels are obvious (scale contours), but what's the difference between "3-Rail Wheels" and "Hi-Rail Wheels"?

Paul

I'm a newbie so I can't answer your question. Maybe one of the other guys can take it.

Thanks for the info Clem and Ron. I am indeed a 3 railer with all the PS2 I have. I started with MTH RealTrax initially and just bought some MTH ScaleTrax (just enough for a 4 X 8 test layout). At this point I am trying to decide for myself what kind of track I will use when I eventually build a large layout. I will probably test a few other brands eventually just to see the difference.

I guess I will take your advice Ron and stick with Hi Rail engines for now. Nothing against the scale 2 rail, maybe later on as I get more experience.

Mixed Freight posted:

Eric Hall posted:

I see in the MTH 2018 catalog some Premier Diesel Engines are offered with Hi Rail wheels and some with Scale Rail wheels. All the engines I have bought in the past are PS2 so I am not sure what wheels they have. Any limitations on the track I choose for my layout if I buy Hi Rail or Scale wheel engines? 

I too have been a little confused at times.  Seems like I've seen ads (not sure if MTH or maybe Lionel?) for "3-Rail Wheels", "Hi-Rail Wheels,", and "2-Rail Wheels".

The 2-rail wheels are obvious (scale contours), but what's the difference between "3-Rail Wheels" and "Hi-Rail Wheels"?

I believe 3-Rail & Hi-Rail are the same wheels. The 2-rail wheels are different and have trouble with most 3-rail track and also require much larger curves as described above.

MTH offers both 2-Rail and 3-Rail models in some of their offerings, but not all. I don't think Lionel offers any ready-made 2-Rail items. 

Also, as stated above, most (but not all) 3 railers will want the 3-Rail or Hi-Rail wheels for their layouts.

MTH with scale wheels have a -2 suffix.

Here's an explanation I had found on the MTH website back in 2015.

Hi-Rail Wheels - are designed for operation on any type of 3-rail AC track system M.T.H. Premier Line 3-rail locomotives are equipped with hi-rail wheels that feature deeper flanges, blind center drivers, wider wheels, and traction tires. These locomotives are identified with a "-1" item number extension (ie: 20-xxxx-1). Three-rail engines with Proto-Scale 3-2 are designed for operation on any type of 3-rail AC track system, and can quickly be converted for use on 2-rail DC layouts. The deeper flanges on locomotives with hi-rail wheels, however, may contact the track ties on low profile 2-rail track systems. Engines with hi-rail wheels are also equipped with truck-mounted Proto-Couplers that mate with any standard 3-rail equipment.

Scale Wheels - are aimed at 2-rail DC operators
Two-rail Proto-Scale 3-2 locomotives feature narrower scale-width wheels with more-prototypical low flanges. These locomotives are identified with a "-2" item number extension (ie: 20-xxxx-2). There are no blind (non-flanged) wheels or traction tires on locomotives with scale wheels. These engines can be converted for use on 3-rail track by installing the center rail pickup rollers that are included with each engine. Because flanges are present on all wheels and are low in height, operation on some 3-rail track systems and switches may be compromised resulting in frequent derailments. This is especially true on tracks that have rounded rail surfaces instead of a flat top rail surface. Scale wheel locomotives should only be used on track systems that have a flat top rail surface. The use of flanges on all wheels will increase the minimum curve requirement of scale-wheeled locomotives, and some uneven operation may be noticeable when traversing 3-rail switches. Engines with scale wheels are also equipped with body-mounted scale couplers that will not mate with standard 3-rail couplers. See the M.T.H. website for specific minimum curve requirements for each Scale Wheeled-equipped locomotive.

Proto-Scale 3-2™
Many Premier steam and diesel engines are equipped with Proto-Scale 3-2, a unique M.T.H. feature that allows you to run the same engine on 2-rail or 3-rail track, under AC or DC power. Engines cataloged with hi-rail wheels are intended primarily for 3-rail operators, while engines with scale wheels are aimed at 2-rail DC operators as well as 3-rail AC operators looking for more scale realism. Scale-Wheeled versions of diesels have more-realistic fixed pilots, while Hi-Rail versions have swinging pilots to negotiate smaller-radius curves.
The conversion wheel kits listed in most of our latest catalogs offer additional versatility. Each kit contains enough wheel sets for (2) power trucks. Scale wheels are polished, turned metal with scale treads and flange height, and are mounted on metal axles with one insulated side for use on 2-rail O Scale track systems. Two wheel sets in each kit contain a pre-mounted drive gear.

Charlie