I recently ordered the 1927050 and 6-85361 2-car expansion sets- they arrived, and I noticed they have different style diaphragms. Is this prototypical, or a production change or error?
Geno
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All of the Challenger cars came with the traditional style diaphrams. The Excursion cars came with the newer tube type diaphrams. They are the same cars except for that detail. I mix them up. There still may be some actual UP cars with traditional diaphrams.
A forum member posted this pic a while back.
Pete
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Pete,
How did you get the diaphragms to touch with the lobster claws?
Geno
I moved the kinematic coupler bracket inboard 1/4”. It required drilling and tapping 4 holes at each end of the car. Sounds tedious which it can be but after a few it can be done in about 20 minutes/ car. You would need a 2mm tap.
This is car with the bracket moved. You can see the original holes close to the end.
Pete
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Pete,
Thanks for the awesome tip!
Geno
When I did this I started by removing the bodies first so I could drill and tap from above without having the trucks in the way. Holes have to accurately placed or the screws won't go in without ovaling the holes in the bracket. Also the spring should be shortened by the amount you move the bracket back, otherwise it won't have enough tension to keep the coupler in place. I actually ordered shorter springs on eBay but after using those up I simply cut the existing springs.
Pete
Well I just found out why the coaches with diaphragms are called Challenger cars-they were run with the Challenger (duh). The tube-style diaphragms are the latest, modern design- and run with the Big Boy. Makes sense. But since I don't have the 6-83042 4-car set ( w/ tube diaphragms) and am having a hard time finding them, I will run what i have an enjoy it for what it is. I did manage to find the 6-83019 2-car set and the 1927050- both with tube diaphragms. LOL.
Geno
I have replaced all the tube type diaphrams with some closer to prototype, maybe slightly larger to help close the gap. Look at the photo above of the prototype and you will see a small I beam that the tubes are mounted to, they don't mount directly to the car body as Lionel's do. If you want to replace Challenger diaphrams with tube type let me know.
Pete
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Pete,
Very nice work.
