Accucraft 1:20.3 couplers

[IRB Souther Engineer]

I was wondering if the accucraft couplers (seen here: http://www.accucraftestore.com/index.php?productID=831 ) work out to be full size or "3/4 couplers" in 1:20.3 scale? (I can't do the math myself since I don't own any of these to get their dimensions.)

[kstrong]

Full size. If you want 3/4-sized couplers, use Accucraft's new 1:32 couplers. (Okay, they've been out for a bit over a year now, so "new" might not be accurate.) They scale out darned near perfect for a 3/4-sized coupler. I've been slowly converting to them since they came out, and have been plenty pleased with them.

Later,

K

[IRB Souther Engineer]

Okay, thanks. If I changed to all one type of coupler I'd go with the AMS 1:32 scale coupler.  The idea of a working cut lever and 3/4 size coupler are very appealing. Where do you buy your couplers?

[kstrong]

I get mine at Caboose Hobbies. They're under $7/pair, which is cheaper than their price for the Kadees! I buy a few pair every so often when I stop by, and I'll eventually get around to finishing installing them on my rolling stock. 

Later,

K

[IRB Souther Engineer]

Their website says they're out of stock. http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?scales_name=&roadnames_name=&alpharoad=&categories_id=197&inc_subcat=1&manufacturers_id=13&sku=&keyword2=&maxrow=50&Reset=Reset%21&x=63&y=19

I wouldn't want to pay $10 a pair buying direct from Accucraft. Are you converting from Kadees to these?

[kstrong]

Don't blame me. I haven't bought any in at least a month!

Yes, I'm slowly converting from the Kadee #1 to the Accucraft. They use the same draft gear (Kadee #820, their "standard" draft gear) so in most cases I just pull the Kadee and put in the Accucraft coupler. The thing that's slowing me at this point is building the cut levers for them. I've just got to get off my duff and build a bunch of them so I have them on hand.

Later,

K

[IRB Souther Engineer]

Could you tell me how wide the draft gear box is?

[kstrong]

I got this from a Kadee product sheet. (I'm at work, so I can't measure it myself.) 

Gear Box: 1 1/4” long x 7/8” wide x 5/16” high

Later,

K

[IRB Souther Engineer]

Do you think it's possible to modify the Accucraft knuckle couplers so that the knuckle could be inserted into a link&pin coupler socket?

[kstrong]

Yes. Just cut the coupler off with a little bit of the shank (say 1/4") still on it, and file it to fit inside the coupler pocket that you're using. Drill a hole through the shank to accept the pin and voila!

Later,

K