First off,I would like to say Hi to the forum.
I'm new to the more prototypical scale models and the skill sets involved.I have pretty basic skills and don't have much in the way of modeling tools.I have some custom weathered Exactrail 5344 boxcars as well as an Intermountain 1958 cu ft. open sides hopper and an Intermountain 5277 boxcar coming to me shortly and I'd like to know if anyone has converted any of these types of cars to Sergents.
I believe the Sergent site explains the process of converting over the Intermountain cars I have coming that use the #78 kadee's(which is a little more involved than what I feel comfortable tackling myself)I do however,know a custom modeler that has the skills,but he has never used or gone through the process of converting cars over to Sergent's.He said he would be willing to give it a try if I didn't feel confident in doing it myself,but I nor he knows exactly what it entails to convert over the Exactrail cars.
I've only been able to find mention that the compatible shank Sergent's pretty much just drop right into #5 or #58 pockets.
When I contacted Frank from Sergent Engineering, he said that he had never personally done the conversion on an Exactrail car.He did say that he knows others that have and it didn't seem to be to difficult.
The Exactrail site says the 5344 boxcars use #58 Kadee's have a "narrow-style" draft box.Does the Sergent coupler need to have the shank filed down to fit these coupler boxes?Does the coupler just drop right in or are there other modifications required?
Also,since these cars have the uncoupler lever detail,does it have to be dettached from the coupler box cover to open it and is it something that can be done without damaging the weathering?
If anyone could provide pictures of the installation process or a step by step(if needed) that would be very helpful!
Thanks
You are on the prototype forum(full size trains). It is impossible to attach a HO scale Sargent couper to a real train! This is where you should be asking your question:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88.aspx
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
jrbernier You are on the prototype forum(full size trains). It is impossible to attach a HO scale Sargent couper to a real train! This is where you should be asking your question: http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88.aspx Jim
These are really strong couplers!! Just a tad too small.
CZ