I have a string of these disconnects that I would like to mount an Accucraft coupler at each end. I will still keep the link and pin between the individual disconnects. Anyone done this? Thanks
Hi Randy,
I have not done that. What I did do was build a small flat car with the L&P on one end and a knuckle (KD in my case) on the other and use it as a transition car for the disconnects.
An AccuCraft knuckle is a very large coupler they may look a little overpowering on the disconnects.
Just my thoughts.
Rick
Your flat car/transition car it prototypical, too. We sometimes see long poles on a car that protrude past the end of the car, so they put a flat car on each end so the load doesn’t smash into the rest of the train.
I do it with Kadee’s. The 2 cars at each end of the string of log cars have Kadees on the one end. The one’s in the middle are all equipped with link and pins. I keep 3 or four together when I store them and just pick them up as a whole unit.
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/expansion/Saw%20mill%20siding/CCLCo001.jpg)
The Shay is equipped with both L&P and Kadees. The car behind it with Kadees, so it can couple at either end of the string of log cars. And any engine can move the string of log cars if the have too.
Nearly the same as Ken’s.
I have a short (5 car) string of LGB 4 wheel side dump tippers. The string has LGB’s link & pins between the cars, then a Kadee on each end. The side dumps are used by the BL&P’s track crew for ballast and small fill projects. A Kadee equipped Climax is the usual motive power and a Don Winter 4 wheel caboose is provided for tools and crew accommodation.
I also have two strings of LGB disconnect log trucks done the same way. Sometimes the log car strings are operated as a single train, especially when they are returning to the woods empty. That puts a set of Kadees in the middle. This log train is powered by a 2 truck Shay and employs another Don Winter caboose for crew comfort.
As a side note, the gravel cars have been on track outside for more than 5 years. They have a very nice natural weathered look, but have not had any structural failures. A few of the LGB plastic links have broken in accidents or derailments. When that happens, I replace them with homemade links constructed from a loop of brass wire and a piece of brass plate soldered on. Those do not break!
Happy (Well coupled) RRing,
Jerry
Hi Randy
easy to do with bachmann big hauler knuckle couplers, even reversable. Accucraft does not look as they would be very easy to install and probably going look rather cumbersome.
Mick