need some help from the experienced on coupler connections between a 1:20.3 Bachmann Climax knuckle coupler hooking up to a 1:20.3 AMS/Accucraft log disconnect?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACCUCRAFT-AMS-Set-4-Logging-Disconnects-1-20-3-/390279200384
thanks for any help
Randy
I love my AMS disconnects and love the link and pin connections between cars but I know the trouble you are having connecting the two!
What you do not say is if you have an older or newer version of the Climax, I believe the couplers are at different heights. I can only speak to the newer version as it is the only one I have had direct experience with.
The easiest “fix” is to use an old REA/Aristo truck mounted knuckle coupler. Un-screw the coupler from the “shank” and remove the centering springs…You want just the coupler. File the corners smooth and replace one of the links with the modified coupler. You can even use the “pin” to hold it in place.
I have one of these “modifications” on each end of my disconnect string, one at the “caboose end” and one at the “powered end”. This way I can use any standard knuckle equipped engine to pull my disconnects. I’ll see it I can get a picture for you.
Randy,
What’s your question here?
Climax locomotives weren’t built until the 1890’s. By then, knuckle couplers were in use.
I’ve browsed a few dozen Climax photos. So far, all had knuckle couplers.
So, IMHO, I’d convert the logging disconnects to knuckle couplers.
Ralph
sorry for the confusion, I got a new Bachmann Climax the other day and wanted to use some AMS/Accucraft log disconnects with it, Im in the dark on any coupler conversions to get these hooked up together, I did’t know if Kadee had a kit or something else as Mark was suggesting?
(http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/data/Randy%20May/201212622123_SC%20016.jpg)
heres a picture of the disconnet http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACCUCRAFT-AMS-S … 0279200384 thanks Randy
Here is the conversion I did to the standard REA/Aristo knuckle…Again I retained the link and pin between each disconnect, just modified the “end” cars. Unlike the AMS short/long logging cars the disconnects are not fitted with a pnumatic braking system so I personally like the link and pin look. The coupler…
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/coup12.jpg)
Fitted in the disconnect…
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/couple1.jpg)
Connected to an AMS body-mount coupler on the caboose…
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/coup13.jpg)
I do not know if that’s what you are looking for but you can see the Aristo/AMS is a pretty good match in size/appearance. They do not however connect without “manual” assistance.
You could also lower the “Pin Block” on the front/rear of your loco and use the pin with the AMS cars. I removed the knuckles on my Bachmann 2-truck shay as it is a dedicated logger. The Bachmann “pin” didn’t like coming out but with a little gentle persuasion with a hammer it did! (I removed it from the loco for this operation!).
And the neat thing in my book…No permanent modifications to anything. You can pull the pin on the knuckle coupler and replace it with a “link”. The knuckle is a nice tight fit too.
Is Aristo(craft) & Accucraft & AMS all the same outfit"
Accucraft and AMS are the same company. Aristocraft is entirely seperate.
Mark
do you have a picture of your Aristo coupler before you started cutting on it? make sure I match the right one when trying to find one,you wouldn’t happen to have a part # on the Aristo coupler?
The part number is ARI29200. Tons of 'em on ebay. About 12 bucks…Might be cheaper elsewhere.
Free shipping here…
Mark V said:Well, Mark, the big boys can't couple without "manual" assistance, either, so I wouldn't let it bother you... :P
They do not however connect without "manual" assistance.
That trick with the Aristos is a great one, Mark. You say these couplers cost about $12.00.
I didn’t realize they were that much nowadays…
Last year I gave 9-10 pairs to a fellow clubmember. No regrets; I’m glad to have saved him a few dollars.
Obviously I don’t use Aristo couplers. Nothing against them - they were the first large scale couplers I ever saw, and I was very impressed.
I imagine most of us have a lot of spare couplers at home - just about every car comes with two types, and then many modellers go on to install Kadees or some other type.
I suggest that belonging to your local Garden Ry club or Ass’n is a great thing, and a huge bargain. My annual membership is $40.00 for the entire family, and we have enough surplus to consider that next year’s membership will be free. I enjoy the social aspects; but there are also many material possibilities. Certainly our Association has been of great service in shifting neglected gear into appreciative hands in all directions. No shipping costs or taxes either!
In this case, Randy, a quick inquiry could very easily put an AristoCraft coupler or two into your hands at little or no cost at all.
Hey John,
I’d like to maybe get 4,
if they’d be the right ones to do Marks process there,
I’m selling a few R&R items on Ebay to be able to get a set of 4 of those Log disconnects in a week or so,
would ten bucks be good enough? if so we can get together on the side by email.
Randy
Oh Darn… I guess what I should have said is I gave 'em ALL away! Sorry Randy!
But, yes, all you need for this stunt is the standard Aristo-Craft Knuckle coupler. They’re certainly not a rarity and I’m sure you’ll find them pretty soon.
$12.00 a pair?
That’s highway robbery!
This is what Wholesale Trains wants for a pack of 12 couplers (6 pair). That a lot less than $12.00/pair.
For just one pair, they want $9 and some change.
They ripped me off for $200.
Deleted
Going out on a limb here…
Randy, put a link and pin on the Climax and be done with it.
If you have to put those ugly knuckles on your equipment, I have a load I’ll give you for free.
But having said that, again, I would use the L&P. More prototypical for a backwoods short line.
My opinion…
I think John is right…As I mentioned earlier your Climax already has a link and pin block, you just need to lower it. I use the knuckle so I can run with different engines/cabooses and it’s reversable on the fly.
You just need a drop link. You can make one out of brass, or buy some from Hartford.
http://shop.hartfordproducts.com/product.sc?productId=87&categoryId=63
