Kadee couplers for Athearn F7

[dharmon]

American Limited Models makes a close coupling kit for Athearn F units along with working diaphrams. Check the Walthers catalog in the loco section. It involves a little cutting but makes a big difference. On the front however, the problem is not often the locomotive's coupler, but the trip pin on the connecting coupler that can cause problems. You can use a shorter shank Kadee on the front but may have to trim some of the bottom off of the pilot so the opposing trip pins don't hit it. Or you can replace the pilot with a Details West Plow kit. If notching the pilot doesn't appeal to you, or adding the plow, then you may be stuck with the longer than prototype shank to clear it.

[Anonymous]

There's a modification you can do to Athearn F7s that greatly improves the appearence. This can only be carried out on the non-cab end of the A unit and both ends of the B unit. Basically, you chop off part of the coupler mounting pad to bring the coupler closer in to the carbody, resulting in a smaller distance between units. Apart from this, the mounting method is as advised by Kadee. Make sure your trucks can still swing properly and that all units have their couplers mounted at the same depth from the carbody (to avoid uneven gaps between units). I've done this on my two Athearn F7As with a great improvement in appearence. On the nose end of the A unit you should follow the Kadee instructions exactly.

[nfmisso]

Hi Bob;

See: http://www.kadee.com/conv/pdf/ath9.pdf

Also, make sure that you check ALL of your installations with a Kadee #205 or equivalent.

[bobindy]

Hello,

I would like to use Kadee couplers on my Athearn F7 locamovtive A and B units. The #5 couplers I'm using on my cars appear to be too long. Which coupler would work best for both the front and back of these locamotives?

Is there any trick or special coupler installation process for basic Athearn F7 locamotives?

Thanks,
Bob