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Coupler conversion/installation

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  • Member since
    September 2004
  • 64 posts
Coupler conversion/installation
Posted by sailor38 on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 9:46 PM
I have a Model Power 0-4-0 slope back tender loco (inexpensive!).
It has a fixed dummy coupler on the pilot and a horn/hook Talgo type on the tender. The tender trucks are attached with a flared nylon post, not screws.
I would like to convert all to Kadee or compatible and prefer not to have Talgo type on the tender[?]. Can anyone tell me how to go about it and what coupler(s) I will need?
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: SC
  • 318 posts
Posted by lonewoof on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 2:33 PM
I would recommendbuilding up (if necessary) under the rear of the tender with styrene (or whatever) so you get a flat surface that you can mount a Kadee #5 box & coupler. Biggest trick will probably be getting coupler height correct. might have to trim end sill for clearance, too.
Front coupler might be a little trickier; but if the engine has a switcher pilot you might get a # 5 installed there, too. If not maybe one of the long shank (#6, I think??).
I am real partial to the #5 draft gear box, mounted with 2 #0 screws. Makes a solid mounting that won't twist around...
/Lone

Remember: In South Carolina, North is southeast of Due West... HIOAg /Bill

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Crosby, Texas
  • 3,660 posts
Posted by cwclark on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 3:08 PM
good advice..you will also need a kadee coupler height gauge or an NMRA gauge so that the coupler height is on the money...i have a lot of rolling stock that i'm going to have to re-do one day because i mounted them without a coupler gauge in my early days of the hobby...it's the best investment you'll make when it comes to installing couplers...there's nothing worse than watching a train come apart when it's going down the tracks due to uneven couplers...Chuck [:D]

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 3:11 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by sailor38
[br
I would like to convert all to Kadee or compatible and prefer not to have Talgo type on the tender[?]. Can anyone tell me how to go about it and what coupler(s) I will need?

When you say "all" here the link www.kadee.com/conv/list.htm for starters
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • 64 posts
Posted by sailor38 on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 9:19 PM
To all who replied - thank you so much! The Kadee conversion link is the bomb!
I think I can probably cut off the nylon posts, use styrene (or sumpin') and reattach the trucks with screws. BTW I do have the NMRA standards gauge. Wouldn't go anyplace without it. Thanks again!!!
Sailor38

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