I want to change the coupler for my F40PH loco to a Kadee one, but from what the Kadee website says, I have to use a Kadee #27 coupler and file down the coupler socket. I have a #27 at home, but I really don't want to file down stuff because I'm not really good at doing these kinds of stuff. Am I able to use a #5/#148/#158 instead without filing stuff down?
Hi UnionPacific8444,
I'm pretty sure that, if there was a coupler that fit the situation without needing to be modified, then Kadee would have listed it.
Without wishing to sound like I am lecturing you, I would say that a major part of this hobby is learning how to do something that you haven't done before. In your case I would suggest that you study the instructions carefully and then try to do the modification. Take it a bit at a time, and test fit the coupler frequently, and you will eventually get it to work. Then you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself and you will also likely be more willing to try other stuff that you were leary of too.
One question: Do you have a set of 'needle files'? Anyone would have a hard time modifying a coupler if all they had was a 10" mill file. The proper tools make the job much easier, and you will find that a set of needle files will be regularly used in the hobby.
Here is a typical set:
https://www.micromark.com/mini-hand-tools/files
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
UnionPacific8444thanks for the advice! i will try.
I'm glad to here you say that! Somebody once said that "....if you tell yourself that you can't do something then you will be right every time..."! Or words to that effect.
thanks! i was able to apply the coupler on the loco.
UnionPacific8444thanks! i was able to apply the coupler on the loco.
Great!!
oh! I didn't know that! Well, the Kadee #27 worked quite well with some filing and cutting, but maybe I'll use an E-Z Mate instead of it when I'm able to get my hands on a bachmann loco again if it doesnt require much filing and cutting.
sorry i did'nt clarify, but when i said "filing and cutting", i meant for the coupler socket, not the coupler itself. Anyway, thanks for the information!
I'm pretty sure I just used #5s on mine, but that was one of the earliest ones years back. I have found that sometimes where a regular #5 won't work because the coupler box is too narrow, the 'whisker' #5 will.
BTW the 'standard' sized coupler box many models come with was I believe designed to fit the NMRA standards for the X2f coupler. Kadee created their couplers to fit in the box. Anyway, I don't think a company would intentionally do an odd-sized coupler box just to force modellers to use their couplers and not Kadees or some other brand.
I used to have a pair of Bachmann F40PH's but I noticed the couplers would give a fairly long coupling distance than was realistic. I don't know if Bachmann has improved the F40PH's since mine from around 1992. If not, a short shank Kadee might improve the distance a bit making it not so long.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
yes, thats what i did.
thanks