If you spend enough time in the model railroading world, you’re bound to hear mention of 3-rail trains at some point. As the name suggests, 3-rail trains have a third rail that runs down the middle of track pieces and helps power the train. Read on to discover the difference between 2-rail models and 3-rail models.
It’s An O Scale Thing
If you’re working with 3-rail model trains, you’re likely building with O scale or O gauge trains. This is because larger trains needed to run on three rails in the early days of model railroading. Since power systems weren’t very sophisticated, the third rail helped larger trains run smoothly.
Historically, 3-rail trains were mostly toys. They had unrealistically large couplers that some people nicknamed “lobster claws.” They could also make much tighter curves than 2-rail models.
O Scale vs. O Gauge
O scale and O gauge are almost the same, but they have a few small differences. Scale refers to how many model trains it would take to make a real one, while the gauge is the measure of the track width. In the past, O gauge trains might have had the right track width, but the trains themselves weren’t quite to scale.
Today, it’s even more complicated. When you do the math to convert standard gauge track width to O scale, you end up with a width that’s slightly off. If you’re serious about realism and work with O scale, you may need to make some corrections to your equipment by hand to make up for the problem. Some people also prefer not to use 3-rail O scale trains because of that unrealistic third rail.
Using 3-Rail Trains Today
Today, there aren’t many differences between 2-rail models and 3-rail models. You can even combine 2-rail and 3-rail models, though you’ll need to do some modifications. Besides removing the third rail, you’ll have to adjust the pickup on the locomotive and change out the wheels on the cars. But the nice thing about this size is that you don’t need very many cars to make an impressive train.
If you’re looking for a place to shop for model trains, there’s no better place than Midwest Model Railroad. We have one of the largest in-store and online collections of locomotives, rolling stock, scenery, wiring equipment, and train memorabilia. Visit us today at our physical location in Independence, MO, or shop online in our virtual storefront.
6th Dec 2022 Steven Atwell
I'm an avid model railroader with a wealth of experience and expertise in the intricate world of model trains. My passion for this hobby has led me to explore various scales, technologies, and historical aspects of model railroading. Over the years, I've actively engaged in building and customizing model train layouts, participating in forums, and staying updated on the latest developments in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
1. 3-Rail Trains:
- These model trains have a distinctive third rail running down the center of the track pieces, serving as a power source for the train.
- Historically, 3-rail trains were commonly used for larger O scale or O gauge trains in the early days of model railroading.
2. O Scale and O Gauge:
- O scale and O gauge are closely related but have subtle differences.
- O scale refers to the ratio of model trains to the real counterparts, indicating the level of realism.
- O gauge measures the width of the track. In the past, O gauge trains might have had the correct track width, but the trains themselves were not perfectly to scale.
3. Historical Significance:
- The use of 3-rail trains in the past was essential due to less sophisticated power systems, aiding larger trains in running smoothly.
- Early 3-rail trains were often considered toys, featuring unrealistically large couplers nicknamed "lobster claws" and the ability to navigate tighter curves than 2-rail models.
4. O Scale Realism Challenges:
- Converting standard gauge track width to O scale may result in a slightly off width, challenging enthusiasts who prioritize realism.
- Serious O scale modelers may need to make manual corrections to ensure accuracy, addressing the discrepancy between track width and scale.
5. Modern Adaptations:
- Today, there are fewer distinctions between 2-rail and 3-rail models.
- Enthusiasts can combine 2-rail and 3-rail models with some modifications, including removing the third rail and adjusting the pickup on the locomotive and changing the wheels on the cars.
6. Midwest Model Railroad:
- Mentioned in the article, Midwest Model Railroad is highlighted as a premier destination for model train enthusiasts.
- The store offers an extensive collection of locomotives, rolling stock, scenery, wiring equipment, and train memorabilia, catering to both in-store and online customers.
In conclusion, the model railroading community has evolved significantly from the historical use of 3-rail trains, and today's enthusiasts have the flexibility to choose between 2-rail and 3-rail models based on their preferences and customization skills.
