Help Please!

[Anonymous]

I am returning to model railroading after a nearly 30 year absence. I am looking to restore most of my TYCO (and other) rolling stock. My problem is, what type of replacement couplers will fit this old stock and where to find them? I also need a compatible coupler set for my newer Athern GP38 locomotive. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ShaunCN]

I am wondering the same thing myself. Trying to get knuckle couplers to fit were the old horn hooks were is a challange. Especialy on truck mounted couplers, like the ones on the tyco cars.

ShaunCN

[IRONROOSTER]

Kadee has a page on converting TYCO - http://www.kadee.com/conv/hocc103.htm that might help.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tip. Now, do you have any suggestions on how to make assembly of the tiny springs and spacers provided in Kadee coupler sets easier for an older (near blind) person easier?

[Anonymous]

Turtle...

The springs should already be in place on the coupler. If not, try threading the spring onto some sewing thread and tying a big loop. Keep the loop around one finger as you put the spring onto the coupler. That way, if (or when!) it flies away, it doesn't go too far. Cut and remove the thread after successful installation. You may also cement one end of the spring in place so it doesn't pop off. Just be sure to use a TINY bit of super glue (or whatever). Put it on with the tip of a pin, and only on one end of the spring. Try not to use too much, because that will mess up the spring.

As for the spacers - are you talking about the centering springs? Again, you can try the thread trick to prevent fly-aways.

There are a number of magifying lights, visors, and stands available. They range from inexpensive to $$$$$! The quality range is the same. For me, the Canadian Tire or Home depot magnifying light is pretty good. Relatively inexpensive, but still reasonable quality.

Andrew

[Jetrock]

The big magnifying/illuminating loops that mount on a swinging arm to one's desk or table can be very handy for bringing small parts close-up as well as casting some light on the situation. Kadee couplers typically come with the springs already installed, but I'd recommend picking up a Kadee "Spring-Pic" for two bucks and using that to install new springs if needed--after mangling and losing many springs over the years using tweezers, the Spring-Pic makes it easier.

I think the "spacers" he's talking about are the little red rings to raise one's trucks to ensure correct coupler height--for that, the big magnifying lens comes in handy, and probably some patience--though I am told that that comes with old age along with the shaky hands and poor eyesight...

[Anonymous]

One other thought that occurs to me is "cross clamp" tweezers. They automatically hold stuff until released - the opposite of regular tweezers that require pressure to hold the item in question. The only caution is that some of them are very strong, and may cru***hings or cause "fly-aways" if they clamp too tight.

Andrew

[ndbprr]

Easiest Way I have found to install Kadee coupler springs is to use an Excato knife with the blade that comes down to a point. I think it is the #10 blade. Just pu***he blade into the spring about 2-3 lopps from one end with the point of the knife. then you hook the long end onto one point of the coupler and depress the sprung before releasing it in position where it hooks on the other point. If you hold the car in your left hand and start the spring in to the fixed portion of the coupler it is a snap even with these 58 year old eyes.

[Anonymous]

I've only had to replace one Kadee spring - it must have fallen out somehow - I used a set of tweezers, hooked one end of the spring in and then compressed it to allow the other end to hook in. For once, it worked first time (usually stuff like this goes "Ping" all over the place when I assemble it)

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. The #4 Kadee couplers I bought were completely unassembled, including the brass springs in the knuckle. I'll give your suggestions a try.

[nfmisso]

Kadee #4 are NOT what you want for either Tyco cars or the Athearn GP38-2.

#4 are not fun to deal with, see if you can exchange them for #37 for your Diesel; see: http://www.kadee.com/conv/pdf/ath14.pdf

Or #27 or #28 for your Tyco cars with plastic trucks (late 1960's and newer) or #9 for older Tyco cars.

[Anonymous]

And comments on McHenry or Bachmann couplers for conversion?

[Anonymous]

For replacing anything with Kadee, see the Kadee website - www.kadee.com

As for whether McHenry or Bachmann EZmate are good replacements? - go straight to Kadee. If you have some items already equipped with McH or B-mann knuckle couplers that are working, you can wait to upgrade those.

Andrew