First, my apologies if this is not the correct forum for this question. Please suggest another location if necessary.
A buddy of mine recently purchased the scale wheel version of an MTH ES44AC with proto 2-3. The issue is he runs only hi-rail (H-R). So he has asked for my help in deciding what to do. His initial thought was to convert it to H-R. But before we go down that road, some questions.
His layout is all Gargraves track with GG and Ross Custom turnouts. Minimum curves are 0-72.
From what I’ve read, scale wheels will work OK on GG track, but H-R switches are an issue. Since we are dealing with an engine, instead if trailing cars, does that exacerbate the problem? I’m thinking installing H-R wheels sets in this engine is pretty straight forward, especially since the unit came with the 3rd rail pickups installed. Correct?
The next issue is the coupler and pilot. The unit came with fixed pilots and no couplers. AFAICT, there is no way to install the normal “lobster claw” H-R coupler unless the pilot is changed to truck mount. If K-Ds are installed, will they mate correctly with H-R couplers? I’ve never tried it and do not know. If not, then that will relegate the unit to single unit status (no MU since no other engines are so equipped) and require the constant use of an adapter car with a KD at one end and an H-R coupler at the other.
Presuming the pilot needs to get changed, then the handrails need to get changed as well. I did not look that closely, but presume that the requisite holes are in the shell for the H-R configuration. Correct?
Lastly, the pilot has yellow stripes painted on it and the replacement pilot would require the same treatment.
So presuming the answer is to do the conversion, does anyone have parts available that they have stripped off an H-R ES44AC?
Chris
LVHR
