200 vs 500 series

I generally don't mix 200 and 500 series, due to the size difference of the bodies.  However, in the interest of science I looked at a 217 and 517 caboose.  IMO, the 200 trucks would look odd under the 500 and would do nothing to change the difference in the size of the bodies.  The difference in coupler height was minimal; not enough to cause problems.  I currently have a train that mixes 500s with Glenn cars - the slight difference in height takes a little fiddling to get a good connection, but after that they work fine.

Perhaps you could post a pic of the issue you're having.

Thanks! I will take some pics.

I figured that half the difference is wheel diameter is about the same as the difference in coupler height.

And, if they are different car types (refr car / gondola /caboose) the look would not be as stark as if a 200 refr cars is next to a 500 refr car.

I'm just putting together a Standard Gauge train so I am spitballing on some of the details and trying to figure it all out!  I have lots of O gauge tinplate, but the Std Gauge stuff has a lot of varieties.

Here's a pic of a 517 caboose coupled to a 217 (MTH repro).  There's enough play in the couplers to get them together.  Not an optimal situation, but it works.  If all else fails, the height can be adjusted by gently bending the coupler shanks.

EddieM, You can run either 200 or 500 series cars behind your 400E by just making yourself a set of transitional offset couplers. Problem solved.

Thanks guys!

The difference on my 2 cars is significant... I don't think I can make it up by bending the couplers.

That being said, I like the DIY coupler adapters and I ordered some couplers to play with.  Getting recently involved in 3D printing, I think there may be a place for a 3D printed coupler adapter... not sure I can figure out how to do it, but worth a try!

@goobernuts posted:

EddieM, You can run either 200 or 500 series cars behind your 400E by just making yourself a set of transitional offset couplers. Problem solved.

That's a brilliant idea.

@eddiem posted:

Thanks guys!

The difference on my 2 cars is significant... I don't think I can make it up by bending the couplers.

That being said, I like the DIY coupler adapters and I ordered some couplers to play with.  Getting recently involved in 3D printing, I think there may be a place for a 3D printed coupler adapter... not sure I can figure out how to do it, but worth a try!

If you get it to work with a 3D printer, please post your results.

Another idea - haven't tried it - take a piece of metal and cut & grind it so that each end has a hook that mimics the coupler hook.  Insert each hook into the coupler.

Having said that, in my example the coupler height difference was absorbed by the amount of play in the coupler mountings - I didn't have to bend anything.  I mentioned bending the shanks because it would seem to be the next logical step.