2-rail DC to 3-rail AC Conversion Tutorial: Running a Piko DC model locomotive on Marklin digital

[@housewifing_by_tram]

Wow, thank you so much. I've been searching for this technique for months

[@ivodelchev6127]

Big thanks for the video explain. Its hard to find information for converting, where to understand things good, but here is the good example!

[@BritishRail60062]

Thanks for this video. I am hoping to convert a Hornby Class 60 to 3 rail in the future as I am beginning to like the Marklin system. I have subscribed.

[@Doger46]

How did you manage with the Hornby conversion? I'm interested in running Hornby and Bachmann on my C Track

[@lueco1715]

Hi again. Attempted the conversion on the 96342 and thanks to your detailed video it came out perfect. Next I'll try my luck on Piko 52954 which is similar to the loco 52805 in your video. Was that conversion as simple as the one for 96342? Thanks, Peter

[@EuroTrainTips]

Yes, the ST44's should be just as easy. The same Piko pickup shoe will work with it. Good luck!

[@lueco1715]

Great video Adam. Piko has produced quite a few nice looking Polish locos from eras lll, lV and V but they are primarily DC. And as you pointed out Märklin has practically ignored the PKP. So this is a useful video. A couple of questions however: Why didn't you need to change the wheels? Did the DC wheels pass over different turnouts without derailing problems? And if I am using train and occupancy detection on my layout. Don't I need to swap out the DC wheels for AC or at least use conductive paint on the axles of the DC wheels? Peter

[@EuroTrainTips]

The ET21/ET22/EU07/SM42/SU45/SU46 locomotives haven't given me any issues on Marklin tracks with the DC wheels. I think it's mostly thanks to the fact that locomotives are heavier, and so the wheels get forced through the correct grooves on turnouts, unlike cars that use Piko DC wheels. The geometry might also be slightly different/better. Occupancy detection works fine because you connect the two (otherwise insulated) sides in the "soldering ground wires" step, so after the conversion the wheels work just like AC wheels in that regard :)

[@lueco1715]

@@EuroTrainTips Thanks for your clear explanations. I a going to try it on the same loco you show in the video.

[@lueco1715]

Hi Adam: Was the conversion of the EU07 more complicated and or difficult than the ET22? How about a video for that one? ;-)

[@EuroTrainTips]

It's the same process as far as the wiring goes, since the circuit board is similar. The main difference is that the trucks on the EU07/ET41 don't have a pickup shoe socket. You will need the Roco 40501 pickup shoe as it happens to be a good fit. Use a tiny drill bit (smaller than the screw that comes with 40501) to drill a hole dead center for attaching it. You can then route the wire around the side of the truck as shown in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGK2ZYyXrMp7eZY . Good luck!

[@lueco1715]

@@EuroTrainTips Thanks Adam. I'll give it a try.