Here's my method, the same one I use to replace kadee coupler springs--push the point of an exacto knife tapered blade about a fifth of the way into the spring, then insert the OPPOSITE end of the spring over one of the pegs. Use the blade to compress the spring onto the other peg and slide the blade out. -Rob
After doing some more measurements of the kit coils using calipers and comparing those findings to the Kadee spring spec sheet sent to me this morning by Tory, it looks like the Kadee 638s are a very close match, if not exact match.
And, even though I've gotten much better at installing the springs on the trucks and there are 18 springs per pack, I may just pick up two packs for peace of mind.
Thanks for the input and suggestions everyone. Hopefully others will find this thread helpful; whether now or sometime down the road.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
If you find a spring that is the right size but not stiff enough, two of them can be nested together to make a stiffer spring.
It might also be possible to use an inner and outer coil as the prototype does.
Mark
Received a nice reply & very helpful link from Tory @ Kadee on their springs:
https://www.kadee.com/media/documents//kadee_spring_spec.pdf
Thanks, Dave. Emailed the owner this morning, as well.
Custom Finishing also makes truck springs for HO
Dave Nelson
Thanks for the suggestions. I'd prefer to stay with the metal Buckeye trucks that came with the kit, as I like the detailing and they actually roll quite nicely with Athearn "long" wheelsets installed in them.
I contacted Kadee this morning (via their online contact form) and asked them which of their two HO truck springs (#637 or #638) they thought would be appropriate for the Buckeye trucks. I'll let you know what they recommend.
Assemble the trucks inside a transparent Baggie. (And do the thread thing. I used a fine needle to pull #36 Vicryl through.)
I experimented with using thinned 'liquid electrical tape' to dunk those springs in to 'thicken them up'. You can mix colors to get something appropriately 'grimey'.
Never thought about the thread idea. Good suggestion. Thanks for sharing.
Rich
Alton Junction
Tom, 30 years ago Walthers included plastic sprung trucks that had to be assembled in many of their freight car kits. At that time they sold packages of extra springs. I found that Kadee's "spring pick" made assembly easier. I would run a piece of sewing thread thru the spring. Once the spring was installed in the truck, carefully pull the thread out. Since the truck springs are too delicate looking to accurately represent the prototype, your best bet may be using Athearn's solid Buckeye trucks, as was suggested in an earlier thread. When painted and weathered they will look more realistic than the sprung versions and probably operate better.
I have some Buckeye trucks that I will be assemblying for a kit. Each truck has 8 springs and it's a challenge installing them w/o launching them into the etherzone. (I've already lost a couple.)
In lieu of the potential of losing more springs than come with the kit, are there any replacement springs on the market available for purchase? The wire used for the springs is 10-mil (0.01") OD. The length is 0.16 - 0.17".
I do know that Kadee makes 2 or 3 different HO truck springs. Not sure which one would be the correct type for the Buckeye trucks, as Kadee doesn't list any specifics on their webpage. And, no - the wire gauge of the Kadee coupler springs is too small.
Thanks for the help...