Another ? re rolling stock kits

[Anonymous]

I'm working on some Branchline Blueprint series kits. The directions indicate the coupler pocket cover should be glued in place over the coupler. I seem to recall reading about drilling the cover piece and using a screw. I can do that if this is the best way to be able to switch out couplers in the future. The kit doesn't tell me what they've supplied, but if I use Kadee couplers #5, I think, or I heard there is a new Kadee closer to scale, should I just use glue assuming I'd never need to switch them.

Thanks
Mark

[CP5170]

Mark: I would recommend that you screw the coupler pocket to the body. If the car should fall to the floor and the coupler break, it is easy to change (from experience). If you decide to change to a more proto type coupler, it too would be easier.

I have no glued in any pockets myself for the above reasons.

Hope this helps...Ken

[Anonymous]

If it were me, I would drill, tap and screw the pocket cover. Use 2-56x1/2" screws. Ya never know if you'll need to replace the centering spring. The "closer to scale" Kadee coupler that you heard about is the #58. Be sure to get a Coupler Height gauge, #205.

If you don't have a LHS to buy from here is Kadee's link http://www.kadee.com/

[emdgp92]

I agree with the others. I'd drill out and tap (or use a self-tapping screw) on the pocket cover. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. Replacing a coupler with a glued-on lid is a pain.

[Hawks05]

i got those Kadee #5 couplers and was trying to place them on some cheap Bachman boxcar. i got the car from my friend who glued the lid on. i took that off put the coupler in there and was trying to glue that back on. took me forever. finally i just said screw it and took it off. hopefully i can find a better way to put the coupler on.

[nfmisso]

Mark

You want a Kadee #246, #205, and #240; or equivalents.
See: http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page34.htm#HO%20Tools and
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page29.htm

You may also want to look at:
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page350.htm
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page351.htm