Hi
Can someone please tell me which Kadee body mount coupler looks the most scale for 1/29th?
I will be wanting to fit them to:
USATrains F7A/Bs, GP30s, GP38s, 4 bay centreflow hoppers, 60’ boxcars, 29/42/55’ tank cars and extended vision cabooses.
AML GP60/GP60Ms, 3 bay hoppers and Gunderson high cube boxcars.
Bachman GP40s and 53’ Evans boxcars.
Aristocraft GP7/9s.
Thanks Daryl
The bigger one is great when you have not so good track , it’s more forgiving
Well that’s a hard to answer question, all mine are the bigger 900 series , as to which one specifically, I try to use the 907 small box in most instances to allow more truck clearance for tighter curve on my larger cars. In some shorter cars I have the 906 which some prefer for the “slack action” they provide. Bit can interfere with truck s and wheels on tight curves. I use a KaDee gauge block to test for proper heights on all my instsll
If you have GOOD SMOOTH TRACK Kadee number #1 scale couplers look great on 1/29. I had #1’s on roughly 150 cars. Rough track stay with the larger G coupler.
I exclusively model 1:29 scale and found these to be reasonably accurate. I tried to assemble a comparison of the KD vs Aristo/Bachmann, AML, and USA trains couplers for you.
I use the one in the middle as my go to. That size comes in several shank positions and lengths. There’s two types one that is more traditional KD with the external spring powered knuckle, and a more prototypical one with more detail and an internal spring. I use both indiscriminately. I have added some pictures of mounted KDs on a USA SD40-2, so you can decide if they fit your needs at this size.
I do like and use the #1 scale couplers on my models, but I am extremely rough on my equipment, pulling long heavy trains, plowing, and up and down grades with loaded cars. I’ve broken the knuckles on a few #1s forcing me to go with the larger coupler for anything other than switching or passenger use. Hope this helps. As you can see though, the # 1s in Paul’s pictures look magnificent on 1/29 scale equipment. Love the shot of the passenger car. Both are great to use.
Hi Paul,
I’ve admired your work for a long time. You have been a great inspiration for me.
My layout will be indoors so no rough track - I hope.
What code rail are you using in your photos? I’m guessing your track is hand built.
Do you have a website or FB page or YouTube page where you post you your magnificent work?
Regards Daryl Blake
Hi Jenny
Thank you kindly for your very informative posts.
I’ll definitely check out the various couplers you have recommended.
Love the locos btw.
Regards Daryl Blake
Jenny,
I’ve just noticed the loco in CP colours appears to be an Alco such as a C420 or C425.
Is this model a kit or scratch built and if so could you please post more photos?
Regards Daryl
Just to elaborate, Accucraft makes 3 sizes: 1/32nd scale, 1/29th scale, and 1/20.3 scale. The 1/32nd is beautiful, the 1/29th is almost as big as the 1:20, but it fits the AML freights, and the 1:20.3 coupler comes in several variations, depending on the mounting type.
Wow! Didn’t even realize Accucraft produced couplers in that much variety. I know so little about them. I have always avoided them thinking they were exclusively steam and 1/32 scale. I came across an AML 1/29th GP60 advertisement by accident and ordered some from RDP, but was told by the guy on the phone it was all they made in that scale for modern equipment. Guess I’m going to have to really take a good look at them! Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I’m constantly in need of couplers and trucks.
That would be one of my “trash-can Alcos” 
that one is Minnesota Commercial C-424 #62 that gets lovingly picked on by the other local hobbyist because it’s built mostly out of stuff I salvaged from the garbage, begged for, or found in scrap piles around the various clubs I visit. It’s entirely scratch built, and nothing more then an upscaling of an Atlas Ho unit . It was built using two scale rulers and a calculator to check the dimensions against the prototype info. It’s not complete yet, as it still needs a cab interior, windows and gaskets, door handles, lift rings, etc. But it’s fully operational and is currently in use. I plan to build C-636 #73, RS-27 #316, RS-18u #83, and one more C-424 #314. All depends on what I can find.
Way to go Jenny. That’s some damn fine modelling you’re doing.
The C series Alcos are one of my favourite prototypes.
It’s always disappointed me that USATrains has never done an 4 axle C series Alco.
I know Aristocraft did the FA A/B and the RS3. To my eye the FA looks wrong, but I imagine the RS3 could be turned into a nice looking model.
Daryl
Hi Paul what number 1/32nd gauge 1 coupler do you use?
Does this coupler work on all your locos and rollingstock.
Thanks Daryl
He used #1 gauge coupler. I use it as well. Works good as long as you have smooth track work. Lots of options for couplers but the best is to make sure to use straight shank body mounts.
Thanks Craig.
Btw is there chance you have a Aristocraft/Bachman 53’ Evans boxcar and a AML 50’ Gunderson high cube boxcar you can check the wheel sets against one another?
I want to buy some Gary Raymond replacement wheel sets for the high cube, but he does not list that his are suitable for AML.
If they are the same I will order a set of the Aristocraft/Bachman wheels sets.
Regards Daryl
Dayrl,
I used 1789’s and 820’s. The new E coupler will have different numbers. The 1789 was always my first choice. All my couplers were body mounted and set with the Kadee #1 gauge.
I suggest you contact Gary Raymond to work this out. I don’t believe his wheelsets come with the longer axles necessary to accept the spinning roller bearing caps but he likely would be able to make custom ones.
-Dan
