Converting Pantograph Powered Locomotive To Rail Power

Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!

model scale railroad houses to construct ho scale n scale oo gauge

« 15 Inch Track Curves

Home

What does “Elektrolok E-lok” mean? »

December 14, 2017

Noel has this question for readers:

“Can, and if so, how easy is it to convert a locomotive from power from the pantograph to power from the rails – DC?”

Share this...

Facebook

Twitter

2 Responses to Converting Pantograph Powered Locomotive To Rail Power

Mike says:

December 17, 2017 at 3:59 pm

Hi Noel,

You have to refer to loco instruction and read it very carefully. Depending on loco manufacturer sometimes it is a kind of rotary switch, sometimes it is soldered jumper. Switching power to pantograph disconnects all wheels on one side of loco (left or right) from supply voltage – they are isolated. This allows to operate more locos at the same time in DC systems.

regards,

Mike

Reply
Kevin Ching says:

December 18, 2017 at 4:10 am

When I had my Marklin set up they had a switch on the underside of the loco that was on the 3 rail system.

Reply