I recently bought an old Lifelike Proto 2000 DC HO Alco PA locomotive, item #21680, Missouri Pacific #8002. It's missing a small plastic snap-on cover from its somewhat unique pilot coupler box. The box is compatible with Kadee long shank couplers. I contacted Walthers who advised the model was discontinued in 1998 and that they no longer have parts for it. The seller is looking for the part but no luck so far.
Any advice from someone with experience or spare parts for this type loco and its coupler system would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
USAF (Retired)
I had the almost exact thing happen to me last night. While switching Horn-Hook to Kadee couplers on my recently purchased Proto E7 (older model from EBay), the snap-on cover to the pilot coupler box "disappeared" in the basement void.. After much searching (although I did find a hand-rail to a VO1000 that I thought I lost!), I decided to improvise.
Two options -
1) For now I am using a Kadee Coupler Box cover (I have them from several versions dont know which one worked)
2) Remove the rear cover, and fashion a new one from styrene. It does not have to be perfect, just close enough (I may do that eventually).
w/re
Walter
I have an older model Proto 2000 PA1, probably from the same run as your own. I lost the rear coupler box cover and with a little work fitted a Kadee coupler box cover to it.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Kadee sells a coupler conversion kit that has all the parts you need to repair your loco. It is #455 and contains replacement swing arms and coupler boxes.
Sheldon
Thanks to all for the replies.
Sheldon, I had previously looked at the Kadee #455 conversion description on their website. The instructions state in part:
"1. Remove the original [coupler] by prying or unsnapping the lid off the swing draft gear box. Discard the coupler."
"2. Place the #26 centering spring in the box followed by the coupler. Then snap the lid securely back in place."
This wording indicates that the original lid should be used and that there isn't another one in the kit to replace my missing one. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know. Since I already have the swing arms and Kadee couplers, that's why I didn't order the kit for @$7.99 from M.B. Klein.
ripvanwnkl Thanks to all for the replies. Sheldon, I had previously looked at the Kadee #455 conversion description on their website. The instructions state in part: "1. Remove the original [coupler] by prying or unsnapping the lid off the swing draft gear box. Discard the coupler." "2. Place the #26 centering spring in the box followed by the coupler. Then snap the lid securely back in place." This wording indicates that the original lid should be used and that there isn't another one in the kit to replace my missing one. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know. Since I already have the swing arms and Kadee couplers, that's why I didn't order the kit for @$7.99 from M.B. Klein.
The conversion kit does not need a cover because it uses the complete Kadee draft gear box supplied in the kit. You need to read and understand the whole instruction sheet. There are several "options" as to what to do. The best option is to use the #33 draft gear boxes included in the kit - do not just drop Kadee couplers into the factory location. It is very self explainatory when you have all the kit parts in front of you.
Believe me, if you have older Proto PA's, you want these conversion kits. It close couples the locos for better appearance without changing the size curves they will run on.
I have several sets of Proto PA's, all converted with #455 kits.
Sheldon,
Many thanks for the followup and complete explanation. I will be ordering the 455 conversion kit ASAP.