Does anyone know what couplers Broadway Limited provides on their SW1200? According to the specs the SW1200 comes with "operating knuckle couplers".
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Hi, Bearman
I have both an early run SW7 and a more recent one of the NW2, (647 and 2634 respectively).
I guess BLI is calling the Amtrak version a SW1200?
They both have what looks like a genuine Kadee #5 in them with the bronze centering spring. The "knuckle" operates. They don't open remotely like the MTH ones, which — as I understand — are troublesome.
Good Luck, Ed
Ed, I have the AMTRAK version and the rear coupler is not at the proper height, is loose and sags. I have a stock of Kadee 148's and as issues arise with non-Kadee couplers or if I have to pull a shell, I replace the couplers. Guess I will have to deal with the SW1200 sooner rather than later.
I'm not sure of the total thickness of the combined thickness of the #5 shank and the bronze centering spring compared to the thickness of the # 148.
In many of my coupler conversions, I find the #148 and all his whisker kin may have the potential to sag where a #5 WITH the bronxe spring will be a little stiffer in the box.
You may have to experiment. Seems to me the Broadway coupler box/draft gear is solidly made and at the proper height for a #5.
IF you want to use a #148 maybe you could clip the tabs off the bronze centering spring and use the flat piece as a shim in the box above the coupler?
I opened the coupler box and the coupler is a #148. A shim is in order and I like your idea about using the bronze centering spring.
On occasion, when I've been troubled by a Kadee coupler hanging low, I've added a small strip of styrene across the bottom of the coupler box. I've been able to slide the shim in and carefully attach it without opening things up.
Ed
For me, it's a little too late for sliding in a shim.
gmpullman I'm not sure of the total thickness of the combined thickness of the #5 shank and the bronze centering spring compared to the thickness of the # 148. In many of my coupler conversions, I find the #148 and all his whisker kin may have the potential to sag where a #5 WITH the bronxe spring will be a little stiffer in the box. You may have to experiment. Seems to me the Broadway coupler box/draft gear is solidly made and at the proper height for a #5. IF you want to use a #148 maybe you could clip the tabs off the bronze centering spring and use the flat piece as a shim in the box above the coupler? Good Luck, Ed
Thats great information. I noticed that they were slightly sloppier than the #5's. Thanks.
Gary
I suspect that the bronze spring for the #5 acts as a shim.