Large Scale Central

Kadee coupler applications

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

Does anyone know which Kadee #1 Gauge coupler to use on the Bachmann 45 ton center cab; and which one to use on the Bachmann side dump ore cars?

(Yeah, I know the ore cars should have link and pin, but for now I just want them compatible with my other rolling stock.)

#2

Ray:

I haven’t actually converted any of my 45 tonners, as they are in various stages of conversion / rework, but Kadee recommends 835 & 1835’s.

Here is a link to the complete Kadee LS conversion list:

http://www.kadee.com/conv/g1list.pdf

And here is the 45 tonner installation instruction:

http://www.kadee.com/conv/pdf/b45t.pdf

There are two side dumps: The old time wood ones and the more modern v-sides. Kadee recommends, and I used, 789 & 1789s for the old timers. Don’t know about the v-sides. Here is the installation instruction for the old timers:

http://www.kadee.com/conv/bacsdoc.htm

Kadee is also very responsive to any product or technical inquiry by either phone or email. Different from many suppliers! Here is a link to their contact page:

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

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#3

Jerry,
Can I assume the #1 sized couplers (1789) are smaller than the G sized couplers (789)? A freind gave me a flock of kadees and I’m pretty sure they are #1 scale. I’ve standardized on them and I like the smaller size, it gives me more of that shortline look and works well with 1:24 scale (42"narrow gauge) that I’m modeling. I need to get more.
Dave

#4

Dave:

Yes, they are different sizes. Once the railroads got past link & pins, many (most?) of the NG railroads used a “3/4 size” version of the Janney coupler. Other NG railroads used the full-sized ones.

I use the larger Kadee “G-scale” couplers on my 1:20 equipment, mostly because they are slightly more forgiving of variations in track work. Many modelers think the “#1-scale” couplers look better. Considering the 1:24 to 1:20 scale arena, the Kadee “#1-scale” couplers are very close to the 3/4 scale couplers found on many NG railroads. No right or wrong here!

Here is a link to the Kadee handout that both explains and shows the differences in sizes:

http://www.kadee.com/html/guide.pdf

The graphic at the bottom of the first page is really good.

Here is a link to some interesting information about Eli Janney, and the invention of his coupler:

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bljannycoupler.htm

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#5

Thanks Jerry!

#6

Thanks for the info Jerry.
I’ve also done some experimenting with would you believe S scale couplers! A buddy gave some Flyer and S Helper couplers. They’re essentially the same size as Kadee #1 gauge and work pretty well. They look good and the mechanism has the little tab on the bottom to open them, so they operate easily. They even mate with Kadees. I’ve been putting them on some scratchbuilt 1:20 scale stuff that I’ve been tinkering with (all pretty small 4 wheeled stuff) and have pulled a train of 7-10 ore cars and a couple of scratchbuilds.
Again thanks,
Dave

#7

Dave, have pictures of those couplers?