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With my choice in O-Scale 2-Rail locomotives drying up, I might have to consider 3-Rail, but only if flex track were available, because I have large curves, up to 50", which is 100" diameter.
I see that 3-Rail O-Scale (gauge) engines and rolling stock have just as much detail and realism as my 2-rail, except for the unprototypical track.
It would not be that difficult to add a third rail to your existing track.
Is it still my understanding that you have no turnouts?
What is the code height of your present rail - need to know for loco and car wheel flange depth?
I have about 100 feet of code 125 nickel silver rail that could be used for a third rail!
With my choice in O-Scale 2-Rail locomotives drying up, I might have to consider 3-Rail, but only if flex track were available, because I have large curves, up to 50", which is 100" diameter.
Short answer on the flex track is, no I do not. BUT Atlas does currently make it (item 6056). Several vendors also make large radius curves even in sections. For example I have Atlas Century Line sections of O-90, O-99, and O-108 size curves. Where the number is the DIAMETER of the circle.
The code of my present 130 feet of Atlas 7056 flex track is 148, but it measures .150" to .160" in rail height. I would not want to go to the trouble of laying a 3rd rail, because much of my layout is inaccessible, and I am now cursed with arthritis in my hands and shoulders, so the best thing for me is to continue looking in EBAY and Dealers for a Steam Locomotive.
I removed my 2 turnouts, which cost me $100 each, not to mention the $800 cost of my 2-rail flex track!
In the meantime I have my 2 GP35 engines with great performance and sound.
well, there is a lot more choice in 3 rail, but
i would send a 2 rail loco off to get decals, and if necessary, add a DCC decoder ..
it's a bit more work, but definitely saves time ..
I have an MTH 4-6-2 Pacific that has wonderful sound system with 20 effects, including changing the volume while running. The problem is it doesn't run!
I paid $800 for this engine, which has the PRR road name, but I could put Santa Fe decals on the tender to make it right. All I have to do is find a repair shop who handles the advanced MTH decoders.
I do not wish to resort to tearing out my 130 feet of 2-rail, which cost me $900 for 45 flex-track sections. I'm a purist, with a heritage going back to the early 1940's when my Dad was a fireman on PRR Consolidations and Mikados. I will never go back to an unprototypical track!
As always, I thank you all for your suggestions and recommendations!
