Bachmann couplers

[Grefflyn]

I have seen a lot of complaints about bachmann couplers not staying coupled.
The solution is very simple. If you have any spare springs leftover from Kadee
coupler kits you can cut them down to fit in the upper space in the bachmann
coupler where the release pin fits. This provides enough pressure to prevent
the release pin from bouncing upward and allowing the knuckle to open at the same time has enough free play to use automatic uncouplers

[bman36]

Hey there,
Thanks for the tip! I haven't heard of that before. Are all Kadee springs the same? Large Scale I mean. Just wondered if they came in different lengths/strengths? I have never used Kadee at all hence the question. Later eh...Brian.

[Grefflyn]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36

Hey there,
Thanks for the tip! I haven't heard of that before. Are all Kadee springs the same? Large Scale I mean. Just wondered if they came in different lengths/strengths? I have never used Kadee at all hence the question. Later eh...Brian.

Kadee makes many items for many scales. In this case I am referring to G-scale
couplers. They come with two sets of different length springs. It doesnt matter which
spring you use because you cut it down to fit inside. The small one will almost fit
with no modification. But I found it works better if you make it just slightly smaller.
It wouldn't surprise me if you could get just the springs from a Kadee dealer. I just happened to have some leftovers so I experimented.[:D]
have fun
Jim

[vsmith]

Thanks for the tip, i'll keep if handy if I start having problems, but so far so good. The only trouble I've had with my Bachy's has been adding cut levers to the car end and getting them connected to the couplers so i can uncouple like the real thing.

[bman36]

Vsmith,
What did you end up using? Wire? Interested in how you accomplished this. Would like to add this to my Bachmann rolling stock. Later eh...Brian.

[Grefflyn]

vsmith
cheap dollar store necklace chain worked and looked real on my locos
grefflyn

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36

Vsmith,
What did you end up using? Wire? Interested in how you accomplished this. Would like to add this to my Bachmann rolling stock. Later eh...Brian.

So far I have used 2 guages of wire brass wire (1/32", and 3/64") , a needle nose plier, and a pin-vice drill. I first make 4 eyebolts with the smaller guage wire, next, I drill the mounting holes and test fit the eyebolts. Then using the drill holes as a guide I bend the larger guage wire to fit.

Now it gets tricky. I have to put all four eyebolts onto the cut lever and one by one place the eyebolt into the drill holes. Then I carefully add ACC to the 2 outer most hole/wires, if I can glue from the behind makes mounting easier. I wait for the ACC to dry, then do the two inside mountings. Finally I add O gauge chain. I find getting the chain is the most trroublesome part as not a lot of places carry it. Most newer Bachy couplers already have a small hole in the uncoupler so using a metal ring to attach it is easy other wise i drill a hole for it. At the cut lever, I also use a metal ring but i also use a little thread and ACC so the chain stays put and doesnt slip around the cut lever .

So far the cars I've added the cut levers too look pretty good. and uncoupling is way easier because all you have to do is reach the side of the car and give the lever a little lift and it uncoupled. I really dont know why this type of uncoupling isnt being provided by manufacturers, Goodness knows the cars are big enough to easily do this at the factory.

Grefflyn, thanks for the dime store tip, I'll look around for it.