Options for replacing a failing “J” bar on an 0-4-0 HO Vandy tender?

[jjdamnit]

Hello All,

The “J” bar on my 0-4-0 HO Vandy tender is failing. The small screw holding it to the tender body has partially stripped.

My options are:

• Drill & tap the striped hole and simply reinstall the “J” bar.
• Replace the “J” bar with a drawbar.
• Replace the “J” bar with coupplers and possibly remove the gladhands.

I realize this is the Prototype Forum. I’m not particularly concerned with exact prototypical operation or I would go with the straight drawbar configuration.

The existing “J” bar seems to be more trouble than it’s worth to R&R.

I’m leaning towards the coupler conversion and removing the gladhands to avoid unwanted uncoupling.

Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[tomikawaTT]

The prototype almost always went with a drawbar.

The 1960s standard (still in use on my empire) calls for a drawbar solidly screwed to the locomotive (spring-loaded level,) with a vertical post on the tender that goes through a hole in the drawbar.  To uncouple, lift the tender.

Installing knuckle couplers between the loco and tender would be a waste of a good pair of Kadees, and non-prototypical.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[snjroy]

You probably want power pickup from your tender for reliable operation. That means wiring that is best achieved with a direct (double) wire, with a permanent drawbar. You can install a plug for wiring but i find them cumbersome. So, power pickup options might affect your hook-up options.

Simon

[jjdamnit]

Hmmm...

Hadn’t considered adding pickups to the tender for more reliable running over insulated frogs.

Good thought that I will definitely consider.