Athearn Blue Box Alco PA HO Coupler

[NYC-Big 4]

I have used No. 5's on all of my PA's with no problem.  If any of the couplers are too short check the length of the coupler arm (the part that has the coupler pocket) on the cover plate on the trucks.  The cover plate for the front on an A unit is longer than the back (or rear) which is shorter.  On a B unit the cover plates for the front and rear are both short.  If the cover plates are the same length, then an A unit shell has been put on a B unit frame.  You can get a copy of the assembly instructions for the ALCO PA & PB off the HOseeker.net webpage that will show the difference in the cover plate lengths with the appropriate part numbers.

Link for Athearn PA 1 - 1994 assembly instructions:

 http://www.hoseeker.net/assemblyexplosionAthearn/Assembly%20Explosion%20Athearn%20PA%201%201994.jpg

There are assembly instructions for other years also. 

[Soo Line fan]

The 30 series are a pain. I would go with the 21 Jeff mentioned or a 141 that Don spoke of.

Either will extend the reach of the coupler with the same under set head KD recommends.

[tankertoad70]

If the couplers they recommend are too short, take a look at the 140 series of couplers.  There are three different coupler lengths in that series ranging from short to medium to long.  Plus, as an added bonus, that series of couplers includes offset coupler heads for applications where the coupler head height is either too low or too high.  I use lotsa those couplers for the very application you are seeking.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

If a 27 or 37 is too short maybe you could use the 21 or 31. Same thing, longer shank.

[Eric Kreszl]

Hello everyone,

I just acquired a Athearn Bluebox Alco PA Delaware & Hudson. Does anyone know which Couplers are required of the front of the locomotives. I have tried both types recommend by Kaydee but they are still to short for the front of the locomotive. 

Any Help would be greatly Appreciated.

Eric