Large Scale Central

AMS Car Coupler Conversion to Kadee

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

I’m looking for advice on converting the couplers on an AMS boxcar, AM31-50, and tank car, AM200-02, to Kadees. None of the searches that I have performed have been successful in answering the question “authoritatively”.

I have previously converted their caboose, AM33-12B, using the Kadee #1835 and it was just a screw-in replacement into its existing coupler box plus a shim. Their site also shows that the #1901 is appropriate for the " AMS Molded on Gear Box".

Looking further at the Kadee site’s conversion information chart they only mention AMS “Freight Cars (Coupler Only)” using the #1835. However the caboose’s coupler box is decidedly different than the box and tank car’s box.

I also found this discussion on the Bachmann forum but it only explained why there were height differences and not exactly which coupler to use and a conversion method.

I’m confused (as usual) and any guidance would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks, Mark

Cross-post to MLS site.

#2

KD 1850 Center set coupler.

The hole in the coupler is a little small for the Accucraft mounting post, so you will have to ream the hole in the coupler to fit the Accu mount post. I miked the hole in the Accu coupler and use a drill bit a couple thousands bigger. You also need to buy a pack of KD centering springs.

I’ve changed out all my Accu couplers to KD’s and it works perfectly.

This the knuckle only, keeping the Accu gear box on the car.

http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page1850.htm

http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page861.htm

#3

John:

As luck would have it I had a set of the 1850 couplers lying around. I reamed the shank hole out with a .213 bit. First I ran it though the hole with the drill turning backwards and once I was through I reversed the drill to complete the enlarging of the hole.

There is tiny bit of slop in the gear box but I had thin plastic washers that fit on the top of the shank hole to act as a shim. Also I’d guess that the coupler’s head is about 1/64" too high when aligning with the Kadee coupler gauge, but that is more than acceptable to me as my track is level with no grades (it’s indoors) and I have 8’ diameter curves.

Thanks for your help and “Season’s Greetings”.

Mark

#4

Mark,

Glad it worked out for you. I also cut the KD "Air hose’ off and use the magnetic gladhands I made up with tiny magnets and surgical tubing.

A happy New Year back at you!

jb