Convert European AC to 2 rail DC/DCC?

[Green_Elite_Cab]

I have an interest in picking up a Marklin Amtrak X995. This is the prototype AEM7 electric, which would be operating during the time period I intend to model.

That said, it is set up for use on European track. I do have a spare set of AEM7 motors and Wheel sets from an Atlas model, but I don't know if these will match.

Is it possible to convert these engines to DC easily? Or would it likely become a mess of a project? Is anyone familiar with marklin models in general, and know how they are wired?

[jwb]

I don't believe the wheels are insulated, which is a big obstacle, and since the wheels definitely aren't RP25, I'm not sure how hard you want to work on that, even with a lathe. Also, I believe typical Maerklin continues to be just a 4-wheel power truck. You're probably much better off seeing if you can mount the body on an Atlas AEM-7 chassis.

[shortliner]

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://germanrail.fr.yuku.com/topic/2861">http://germanrail.fr.yuku.com/topic/2861</a><!-- m -->
Personnally I wouldn't bother - find a two rail chassis and drop the body on - It may be possible but you are in for a world of trouble with un-insulated wheels, funny axle sizes and changing pick-ups and possibly the motor too

[torikoos]

YOu might want to search for a Marklin HAMO conversion set.

Marklin marketed some of it's models under the HAMO subbrand for 2 rail DC operation. Individual parts might be around too, these are wheels (as yours most likely are not insulated ), some electronics and a motor conversion kit.

I can't give you any links as I'm not a marklin 'expert', but I know these were around, particularly in the 80's and 90's, but looking at Ebay, there are some marklin Hamo locomotives for sale, from which you can use the 'guts' to convert your locomotive.

Koos

[shortliner]

Further to Koos post - a search on <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ebay.de">http://www.ebay.de</a><!-- m --> for Marklin HAMO throws up 247 items as of 2 minutes ago - so you may well be able to solve your problem on there - it is in German but Google translate will solve that problem - I had a loco arrive through ebay.de from Austria this morning - that is OOP and I couldn't find anywhere else - no problem

EDIT - You might want to read through this <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/200397.aspx">http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/200397.aspx</a><!-- m -->

[faraway]

This link limits the German ebay to H0 scale model railroad only

http://www.ebay.de/sch/Modelleisenbahn-S...cats=22128

[modelsof1900]

Further to Koos post - a search on <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ebay.de">http://www.ebay.de</a><!-- m --> for Marklin HAMO throws up 247 items as of 2 minutes ago - so you may well be able to solve your problem on there - it is in German but Google translate will solve that problem - I had a loco arrive through ebay.de from Austria this morning - that is OOP and I couldn't find anywhere else - no problem

EDIT - You might want to read through this <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/200397.aspx">http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/200397.aspx</a><!-- m -->

The problem with HAMO conversion sets is that the result will be an engine built after German rules and NEM dimensions - not NMRA! (NEM = Rules of European Model railroads) Wheelsets will have other diimensions and wheels do not have NMRA contours. So these models do not run on US tracks and on switches especially.
I know from German forums that all members there do advise not to change Marklin to 2 rail DC. Sorry!

[torikoos]

you are correct Bernhard,

the wheel contours and particular flanges, are courser on the older Marklin gear. There is quite a push for many manufacturers to switch to RP25, and lot's have already done so, old models won't have these.
With a bit of effort, you could have them turn to the right profile on a lathe machine, but it all get's very complicated perhaps.

Koos

[Green_Elite_Cab]

I wish I had one of these models in front of me, since I'm not sure how compatible the Atlas parts would be with this model. If I could find one of the X995s cheap, I wouldn't mind so much, but $150 is about as low as I've ever seen them, and it doesn't seem like Marklin ever made a 2 rail DC version.

I might pick one up in the far future, but I don't know if I want to invest in something that would be a pain to run. I've already got a lot of pain-in-the-behind projects, lol.

Thanks for the advice guys!