Hi all - New to the forum and getting back into HO. I have a Marx caboose that has truck mounted couplers that doesn't match up to the rest of my cars. I went to the KaDee site for conversion and they don't even list Marx as a conversion item. Anyone have ideas that could be a substitute? Thanks.
Welcome. I didn't know Marx did much in HO scale. A quick searched turned up this site, and info:
http://www.marx-trains.com/ho-trains/notes/couplers/index.html
They appear to use the good old X2F horn hooks, and it also looks like you could replace them with these, from Kadee:
https://kadee.com/htmbord/page148.htm
At least, that Marx web site should help you get started.
Good luck!
Mike.
My You Tube
This may be a DIY one. The Kadee coupler gauge (hopefully you have one of these - if not, get one) has a shelf on one end that indicated the correct height of the floor for their draft gear box to mount on that will result in proper coupler height. Saw off the truck moutned couplers then use the gauge to build up the end floor of the car to the correct height. Or if it is already too low, use the offset shank couplers, and calculate from there - ie if the coupler has a 3/8" underset shank then the floor level would need to be 3/8" below the level on the coupler guage (just an example - use the data from kadee for this).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks. I'll check into those items you mentioned. I appreciate your advice.
Marx truck-coupler by Donald Schmitt, on Flickr
I agree with rrinker
I recommend removing the Marx truck/coupler and body mounting Kadee couplers. The couplers could be cut off the Marx trucks and the trucks remounted, but it probably better to replace the trucks with Kadee or another brand of your choice.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
The quick part is that the shank that the coupler is mounted to, comes off the truck, and the coupler box comes apart, and the coupler can be removed, and replaced with a Kadee.
It explains it all on the Marx link I sent him.
The OP can do what ever way he sees fit.