Model Train Journal

Hi All!! After taking a brief absence from model railroading I’m slowly getting back into it. I recently bought an MTH PS2 with Scale wheels that says it 2 Rail / 3Rail conversion capable but no where in the instruction manual does it say how to convert it. Any ideas?? Please see pic’s and thanks for any help!
I have another MTH engine where it says remove the roller pick-ups then flip the switch from 3 to 2 rail. I removed the pick ups but don’t see any 2/3 rail switch. Just an unmarked switch under the engine cab.
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Welcome back Jon,

I have never owned any of the convertible stuff, but from all I've read, all you should have to do is mount the scale wheels and throw a switch on the bottom of the engine.

Guessing that unmarked switch is what you need to throw.

Here is a link to MTH service center:

https://www.mthtrains.com/service

Rich

Great to hear from you, Rich!!! The box says it has scale wheels so I shouldn’t have to replace them. I pulled the pick ups and flipped the unmarked switch after putting power to the outside rails. I got nothing. Put the pick ups back on and hooked power to the inner rail and one outer rail on the roller test base and it fired right up. Something’s screwy.
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Jon,

Not sure how fond you are of the OGR forum, but I think it's a pretty good bet people over there could help you. MTH (or what's left of it) maintains a presence over there. That's where that link in my message above was copied from.

Good to have you back!

Welcome back Jon, we were wondering what happened, certainly glad you're back on here.

Lots of commentary on OGeR NK.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/mth ... rail-track

Apparently, engine pickups for 2-rail suck. Some folks over there have done all sorts of things to try to get them to work.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w141 ... 9c77ce.jpg

Shows switch actually marked. My guess is that's under the tender, with the truck limit chains shown.

Thanks, De Bruin!!! Good to be back!!!

Cool, Scalecraft!! I’ll get back on the issue tomorrow. It’s officially cocktail hour now!!

Yes! You were missed!

MTH steamers have drivers insulated at the axle, with necessary insulation on rods, etc. Shame, since the Koreans could have easily rim-iinsulated them for the same cost. They are also not standard-wired - insulation is on the right side of the locomotive.

My cure was to replace the frame, cylinders, and drivers. Made a much better model. Keep your eyes peeled for good Sunset and USH models - usually ready to go 2-rail.

Delighted you are back.

Hi Bob!! Great to be back and enjoying the problem solving that comes with the hobby! now that you mention it I do recall the drivers are insulated at the axles.

LOL!! There is nothing 2 Rail conversion compatible about this engine I’m thinking Trainz got suckered into buying a 3 Rail PS2 engine in the wrong box with me getting suckered into buying it. I do have the option to return it for a refund but then again I don’t have an engine to run under this year’s Christmas tree.
And I’m not running any of my high dollar brass ones with 3 puppies and 3 kittens in the house.

I was wondering recently what happened to you. Welcome back.

Same here. Welcome back!