What does everyone do with the front coupler on the Bachmann 2-8-0 ?
I never used this engine because the overhang of the front was just to horrible looking on my old layout, but it should look fine on my new one…but that front coupling has got to go!
I just unscrewed the coupling itself and removed it, but that leaves the coupler mount still there.
How do I get that off without breaking anything?
And…how would you install a Kadee coupler in it’s place?
You can buy that same coupler pocket from Kadee with a Kadee coupler and bolt it rite on.
But how do you remove the original coupler pocket?
It looks like it is molded right into the front, I didn’t see any way of taking it off.
Once you unscrew the front coupler from the pilot, the pocket comes off with just a little “Friendly persuasion.” It’s held on just by two little pegs that press fit into two holes. I usually take some needle-nose pliers and give it a gentle up and down twisting to pry it out.
For a replacement, you can use the Kadee coupler: #905 or #779 for the G-scale coupler (new and old style respectively) or #1905 or #1779 for the smaller #1-scale coupler (new and old style) There’s a “lip” on the bottom of that coupler pocket casting that can be cut off for improved looks on the pocket.
Or, you can use the Accucraft coupler and coupler pocket. At one point I had written that it was a direct bolt-on replacement, but that might not be the case; you may have to drill a few extra mounting holes. (You’ll have to do that with the Kadee pocket, too.)
Later,
K
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page791-1791.htm
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/kenbrunt/KD791.jpg)
Kevin Strong said:
Once you unscrew the front coupler from the pilot, the pocket comes off with just a little “Friendly persuasion.” It’s held on just by two little pegs that press fit into two holes. I usually take some needle-nose pliers and give it a gentle up and down twisting to pry it out.
Thanks, I will give it a try when I go home for lunch today!
Ken Brunt said:
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page791-1791.htm
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/kenbrunt/KD791.jpg)
That looks so much better, I wonder who the people were at Bachmann that thought there coupler idea was the way to go…
Since for universal interchange we use “standard” coupler height, which is virtually the same as Bachmann, USA, LGB with Lionel coupler, Lionel, Delton, Aristo Classic…I find one of the drop couplers for the 1:20 Bach freight cars and fit it to the original pocket. In even make the cut lever work.
But, I also cut 7/16" from the frame, moving the beam aft by that amount. Reduces the silly overhang.
I can take a photo later if you need one, but you didn’t specify why kind of couplers you use…and I agree on what they were thinking or not.
TOC
Ken Brunt said:
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page791-1791.htm
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/kenbrunt/KD791.jpg)
Dang Ken, You need to get the Engine service crew out there to give that thing a bath…
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I always understood that the unusual “getup” on the front of the Connie was to allow the Connie to couple with the 1:24?? Big Hauler line of cars.
Nick S. said:
Ken Brunt said:
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page791-1791.htm
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/kenbrunt/KD791.jpg)
Dang Ken, You need to get the Engine service crew out there to give that thing a bath…
Too busy working, hauling the mail, delivering freight…
it’ll get washed…next rain storm…
I can add, though I don’t have any pics, is that I took the entire Bachmann coupler box along with the pilot off. I’m replacing with a Accucraft Coupler bolted and glued to the front sill and am putting a Bachmann C-19 pilot on. I’m in the middle of doing it so I don’t have any photos.
I still haven’t had a chance to try getting the coupler pocket out, maybe tonight!
