Large Scale Central

AMS Short Caboose

Problem Solving
#1

I just got a Accucraft AMS short caboose and was surprised to find that it didn’t come with any documentation at all (no IPB, no wiring schematic, etc.). So I’ve got a couple of questions about what I have.

First the lights/wiring. Since I don’t have track power, I removed the wheel wipers (a real drag anyway) and the brackets that hold them and the wires. When I removed the box from the frame I discovered some type of circuit card in the area under the copula seats. I assume the circuit card is to provide a constant voltage to what appear to be incandescent lamps in the car and the marker lights. If this is the case, can I remove the circuit card and connect the wire to a 9v battery?

Second the couplers. I want to replace the couplers with Kadee 900 series. Is the coupler pocket compatible with these or will it be necessary to replace the pocket with a Kadee gear box? The Kadee conversion list only references a “large” or “small” pocket. This being the only AMS car I have makes it a little difficult to make that distinction. If the pocket needs to be replaced how is this done? Any help?

#2

Lloyd,
Brass or plastic?

  1. Yes, a battery will power the lights, if you leave that voltage regulator in.
    Check the output with a meter and replace batteries with that voltage if you want to remove it.
    I’ve done that with a small pack of rechargeable batts.

  2. I simply replace the coupler with a KD center shank knuckle. You might have to ream the hole in the coupler a little. Use the KD centering springs, not the Accu.
    Easy-peasy.

#3

Thanks John,

It’s the plastic one (AM33-010) unlettered.

I hadn’t though of just connectiing a battery and see what comes out. That’s good!!

I wend back and looked closer at how the coupler was assembled and found a brass bushing going through the hole in the coupler. The bushing fits exactly into the hole of some other couplers I have (large offset). So it looks like your right again. I just need to get a couple of Kadee #901 couplers.

Thanks again
Lloyd