csmith9474Just as an aside, I believe that the patent Kadee had expired, so it allowed other manufacturers to duplicate Kadee's design. It seems that Kadee still produces a superior product.
I think thats when "The Attack of the Clones" ware began! Kadee obviously is still the leader by a long shot but if there is any semi close contender, the Walthers metal Protomax sure looks awefully close.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
As it happens I am in the process of replacing couplers on cars that will make the transision from the old Staten Island West yo the new SIW coming in 2016 (Mainly Tankers, well cars and of course locomotives. Some MOW and a caboose or two) to mostly Kadee 148's. It's been mostly a drop in project except for losing the little screws but I have a supply of replacements from Micro-Mark when needed, as well as the washers and height gauges.
Makes a big difference in performance.
Now what to do with the plastic couplers?
Joe Staten Island West
joe323 Now what to do with the plastic couplers?
Trains are very heavy, and the forces that are going through the couplers are massive. As a result, there are sometimes broken knuckles on grades. I would suggest placing some of the knuckles from the plastic couplers in between the rails of some of your grades. In addition you could use parts of them for scrap loads or just random junk.
KyleI would suggest placing some of the knuckles from the plastic couplers in between the rails of some of your grades. In addition you could use parts of them for scrap loads or just random junk.
Scrap loads; trash plastic couplers and plastic wheels, painted a rust color, make excellent gondola scrap loads.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Thanks for the ideas I already have gondolas full of plastic wheels painted rust. I think I will add this to the pile.
One of the popular loads at my former club was a 50-foot scrap gon loaded to the brim with "rusted" X2f couplers.