Large Scale Central

Solving my coupler problem

Modeling
#1

Earlier, I bought an RS-3 and equipped it with Kadee couplers so I could run on other layouts, such as Andy’s and Fred’s. It worked out very well at Fred’s for the standard gauge operation session. But, I still wanted something to run when it was time for Narrow Gauge! :o Taking an idea from Ric Golding, I decided to make my couplers removable and interchangeable. I have the AMS/Accucraft couplers and went ahead and bought some #1 Kadee couplers (1901). (A set of G couplers is also on order.) I first took some brass tubing and nested them inside each other until I filled the hole in each coupler. I glued these in place with JB Weld. On the AMS couplers I put some washers on each side; the Kadee just has a piece of brass on the top. All are now covered with Neolube.

To attach the couplers, I used the coupler pocket that comes with the Shay, but I mounted it a bit lower; I also added a 1/2" square timber below the existing two plastic timbers. I fashioned a “pin” to hold the couplers in place - it slips through the existing holes in the coupler pocket. A chain was added to make sure it stays with the Shay.

The pocket is positioned for the correct coupler height for the AMS couplers, which have a washer on the bottom to bring them to match my custom coupler gauge (24" in 1:20). The Kadee couplers do not have a washer and end up matching the Kadee gauge. The AMS coupler:

The Kadee coupler:

When I get the larger Kadee couplers I will mount them in a similar fashion. This should give me the capability to operate on the NG sessions on Fred’s layout, and I should also be able to run on Ken’s. The AMS will work just fine on my own layout as well as Bob’s.

#2

ahhhh, nothing like a little flexibilty… Nice work, Bruce… :slight_smile:

#3

What did you make your pin out of? I just bend a piece of wire, those look great!

#4
Ric Golding said:
What did you make your pin out of? I just bend a piece of wire, those look great!
Ric, I thought of bending it, but it's just a bit too thick to get a nice bend; plus, I wanted something with a different look.

I found the top pieces in my scrap box - I think they’re the bases to some caboose marker lights. I added a bit of tube on each side of it, as the tube seemed to fit exactly. Then a solid brass pin was glued in place.

#5

Nice Idea. I did something similar with the Accucraft couplers for my LS Shay. I didn’t get as sophisticated with the tubing etc. and they droop a lot making coupling without the use of fingers unlikely. I think I will upgrade to your design and see if I can get them to work as automatic couplers. Might also work with the stock pocket on the 45 Ton Dizzie.

And speaking of Accucraft couplers… I have a few that just don’t want to close without messing with the pin. Is this a common problem with an easy fix? I could just replace them as I have spares, but if they can be repaired I’ll go that route. BTW - Graphite lubrication wasn’t enough to get them un-sticky.

#6

That is a neat idea Bruce…flexibility and the ability to change into whatever you happen to have in your handy dandy coupler box!

Bob

#7

I installed the Kadee 906’s on my locos. They’re a tad bit larger then the 820’s I have on my cars and a tad smaller then the B’mann couplers. I’ll find out if they work out when I get to Bob’s and try them on the AMS couplers.

I can’t remember or didn’t bother looking to see what Doug was using on his cars.

#8

I have the same problem with some Accucraft couplers as you do Jon. I’ve looked at how to maybe take the knuckle apart to sand down some of the pin, but it looks like I’d have to do some major surgery to get it apart.

#9

Jake, I haven’t tried it, or even looked closely, but I think you can probably push out the small pin that the knuckle pivots on, which will allow all of the parts to escape. Be careful of the spring :slight_smile:

#10

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Bomba_atomowa.gif)

And don’t cut the blue wire either