Starting/planing my 1st layout, which in this forum is neither here or there....... but anyway. Is 2 rail rolling stock compatible w/ 3 rail track? Obviously, the locomotives aren't.
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Not usually. It depends on the type of track you are using. In my opinion, it is best to convert 2 rail cars to three rail trucks and couplers. I have done this on many old 2 rail freight cars. Some are easier than others.
John: And it also depends on the type of 2-rail rolling stock you have. Obviously cars designed for 2-rail scale having wheels with low flanges will not run very well, if at all, on 3-rail track intended for “toy” trains.
But in the 1950’s Kusan made O gauge rolling stock, including powered locomotives, that were designed to run on either 3-rail or 2-rail toy train track. They called it “DUO-TRAC” and the wheels on one side were insulated from the wheels on the other side of the axle. They made toy train profile 2-rail track as well and later they made trains with plastic wheels (called K-series). I have a few such cars running on my 3-rail layout in consists along with Lionel, K-Line and MTH cars. There are some limitations as these cars will not trigger relays or accessories when using an insulated outside rail. But if they’re in the middle of a train that doesn’t matter.
HTH,
Bill
I run a bunch of 2 rail freightcars on 3 rail Atlas track. Only problem is when pushing a string thru the divert route of a small #4 turnout.
