Large Scale Central

Bachamann coupler?

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

I just got the Hartland flat cars and in the process of painting them. I want to convert the flats to the Bachmann knuckles (Kadee is out, bachmann is so much cheaper and they work for my purpose) I want to body mount them but the problem is since it is a flat car how do I get them screwed on without the screw punching through the top of the flat. Also should I take the knuckle off from the arm or leave it when installing them. What do I do with that plastic tail? The larger flats are different then the mini series. the hook and loop are attached to the trucks like the backmann flats. Thanks

#2

Once you remove the couplers you can simply turn the tongues inward, they shouldnt interfer with the car but it is noticable, since most of my stuff is not being kept for collectorship puposes, I simply cut off the tongues on the cars I body mounted couplers to.

I mounted link and pins to mine so I’m not much help mounting knuckles but adding basswood blocks or similar to the underside might be the best approach, then you can just screw the bmann into the wood, make sure you keep the right coupler height.

#3

Shawn, I assume that the load is removable. If so, you could attach the basswood block to the underside with a #56 nut and bolt under the load where it won’t be visible, making sure that the coupler will be at what ever height you select as your standard. Then, attach the coupler to the basswood, and bada-bing, bada-boom, there you are!

#4

Thanks guys. The flats I got are just the flats with no loads. I do plan on cutting some logs for the load, that should cover the screw. Although now that I am seeing Vics link and Pins I might end up going that route. Still debating.

#5

Shawn I kept all my larger cars knuckles, and all the small stuff with links, same for the engines, it seams to work pretty well for me.

#6

I finished installing my bachmann knuckles onto my hartland flats. Came out good. Still have to paint the frames and weather the flats. The knuckles work real well on the frame. I set up my LGB tracks and ran the flats through the R1 turns and works even on them. ALthough they come very close to rubbing ends. Good thing I dont have tight curves.

(http://i34.tinypic.com/szfwg2.jpg)

Of course my Link and Pin couplers are done just need to add some chain to the pins.

(http://i37.tinypic.com/2ujqzht.jpg)