Hornby Dublo 3 Rail N2 : Repair Request

[@jeremynorman1330]

You cannot even imagine the pleasure your videos give me. Thank you

[@clivebennettHornbyDublo]

Dublo can't beat it so much stuff still working since it was introduced over 80 years ago. Made by Meccano very strong and designed for lots of play wear! Great to see another loco put back into service! Enjoy your channel very much.

[@eugeniomarins2936]

Dear Sir, If me scribblings be correct, methinks some congratulations are due. Congratulations. 🎂 Cheers from Brazil!

[@oobill]

Yes they are correct thanks!

[@kleedhamhobby]

I do a lot of these. Not specifically N2s, but various Dublo 3-rail locos. I would have taken the centre-rail pick-up apart, and cleaned and adjusted it. They often get fluff and stuff in them, and the spring tension isn't always correct. An earth magnet is the easiest way to get the ball bearings out - they can be quite stubborn. I bought a bag of a hundred 1/16" balls on Amazon for about eleven bucks Canadian, and I just put new balls in whenever I do these motors now. I've done quite a number of 2-rail to 3-rail conversions, as I like to run LMS, and not many LMS locos were ever available in 3-rail. You can see various conversions on my own channel. 2-rail to 3-rail conversion is actually easier than the reverse, as at least there's no need to change the wheel set.

[@darrenhillman8396]

Nice job, Bill. Love the simplicity of these old models.

[@stevejubb8465]

Hello again - I have just noticed you FAQ link which answers all my questions ! - -Again - Thanks - SteveJ

[@petersmith4455]

hi Bill one of my first locos in 1962, as a child, just great,had lots of fun playing with it, great memories

[@colinsuffolk9161]

Hi bill good evening I do like watching you servicing the locomotives and very interesting videos I also service my hornby dublo locomotive. Cheers mate👍

[@davidgifford8112]

N2 was my first electric loco, from 60-years ago. Gave it away along with an Ivatt 2-6-4 tank and an A1 (Silver Queen) in Green livery. Much regretted giving them away.

[@stillstanding123]

Loved watching. You are so right, a machine made to last. 👍

[@playpaulbee]

Thanks, a very timely video, I've just bought a pair of 3 rail N2 tanks, so it is good to know how to keep them running. On the subject of oil, I recently aquired a Triang Bo Bo Switcher, swimming in the stuff, I still haven't got it running properly yet but it's a lot less sticky!

[@carolinerogers1057]

Good video we got three rail 00 and n gauge and tt 120 on the go now my husband and i always enjoy watching videos

[@roberthocking9138]

Great work again Bill 👍

[@dialwright]

Very sweet job Bill (as usual).

[@geraldwelsh8787]

Had 2 of these as a kid,one just like that one and the other which had LNER on it.👍👍

[@David-cq2mz]

Beam me up Scotty……..very Enterprising Bill.

[@ianhaynes5898]

I have 3 rail for my outside railway. The engines run very well and I think in a way are very like the real thing, that is very mechanical and all metal.

[@DaiElsan]

Oh, Bill, I love your videos. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@timgray3491]

Sweet runner Bill

[@stevejubb8465]

Hello OOBill very interesting and helpful movie: Thank you. Please clarify the solutions you were using, and tells us where we can buy ( or how to make a ) remagetising unit. Thanks again SteveJ

[@robinforrest7680]

Hi Bill Can you do a video on how you built your teletransportation system for 3-rail locos 😂? Joking apart, a 2 to 3-rail conversion is probably a lot easier than the other way around! You just need to fit an HD pickup or a Marklin type skate, « short » the wheels on both sides to one brush and connect the other to the (insulated) pickup I guess.

[@stephenparrott3377]

3 rail to two rail conversion is possible. TTRCA (TRIX-Twin Railway Collectors Association) did 14v A/C locos. They were changed to 12 v D/C all you need to do is change the collector shoes. The central and outer pick-ups have different shaped shoes. Easy fix. This changes pick-up from inner central live rail to the outer negative rails. Just make one of the outer rails live and disable the central rail or not as the case may be. I can help if needed. Best wishes Steve P

[@PeterJewell2]

Don't you have to modify the axles too? 3-rail wagons have metal wheels and axles and no insulating plastic anywhere.

[@stephenparrott3377]

@@PeterJewell2 Only need to insulate the two outer rails, but not if live and neutral are by outer and central rail

[@Night_Ferry]

Nice job. One thing I do want to ask... How long does a can of contact cleaner last you? How many services? On a side note the DCC concepts rolling road comes with a skid for 3 rail running. Useful gadget for the work bench :)

[@PeterJewell2]

That's a bit like "How long is a piece of string?" as it depends on two main factors: how filthy the loco is, and how generous you are with your scooshing. Since started using it I have completed a good number of services, but I haven't kept count, and I've also used it for wheel cleaning. Certainly I think you should get 15-20+ locos done, if you aren't too extravagant, and probably more. I try to be a bit stingy using it, but it is so good for the job that the cost per loco is kind-of irrelevant.

[@astolatpere11]

Nice work.

[@midnightmoses580]

A bit off topic. How do you get the towel clean from all the dirt & oil?

[@platformten5958]

Derrrr... put it in the washing machine. 🤣🤣! Paul.

[@speleokeir]

I'd add some Vanish or liquid deterrent to the stained bit before putting in a hot wash. Maybe use a pre-soak cycle on the washing machine if it's really grubby. Best to use an old towel specifically just for that though.

[@platformten5958]

I agree with you on the last part as the last time I used Vanish, all my washing disappeared and I never see any of it again. 🤣🤣 Paul.

[@auscrypt9290]

Is it possible to convert the 3 rail to 2 rail? I've only seen videos converting them from 2 rail to 3

[@nicholasbishop3300]

Nice service job Bill Nick Australia

[@JohnJohnson-cn9fh]

it would look great if you also added the extra detail too,good solid old loco,s.jpj

[@bigmac60]

Good video thanks bill

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

Good video thanks lee

[@tankmicr00man]

No coal in the bunker!

[@platformten5958]

Excellent observation. Looks like you can cancel your appointment with Specsavers. 🤣 Paul.

[@clivebennettHornbyDublo]

there was no coal in the Tank Engine as the original Dublo system when it was introduced in 1938 had two versions. Electric 3 Rail and Clockwork. The space in the Bunker was occupied by the clockwork controls. Later 2 Rail tank engines had coal and I think there were some much later 3 rail ones which had it after 1959 which are quite scarce.

[@platformten5958]

Hi Clive. Very useful and interesting information you've provided there. I take it you were a Hornby Dublo enthusiast in your earlier days. I was handed down some OO Gauge Triang locos and rolling stock by my late Grandfather (before he passed) but never got involved in Dublo. My cousin had a Triang TT layout but I stuck with Triang OO Gauge until I got married and moved out. My mother gave all my trains and track to my nephew instead of leaving it to 'rot' in the loft so, I have now had to start again but I'm not complaining. I also had a decent array of Meccano equipment that, due to my age, found rather fiddly with the nuts and bolts but, nevertheless, was great fun along with my Betta Bilda bits 'n' pieces that I found were slightly more realistic than Lego due to their smaller sized pieces. I digress. Have a good day Clive, Paul. 👍

[@PeterJewell2]

I'm surprised Bill touched up the paint but didn't consider adding some coal!

[@platformten5958]

Hi Peter. It depends on whether the owner had requested it. Bill was told that the guy's grandfather was going to use it so I guess he preferred to have it left in its original condition without the coal. Paul.