I am converting a set of MTH Premier 64' wood-sided passenger cars to run on two-rail scale track. I have the proper trucks, but what number Kadee coupler would work best with prototypical spacing between cars? I am running them on 40" radius and larger curves. Thank you.
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This is just your standard 805 with the provided MTH spacer for 3 rail. Without the spacer it should butt right up to the end platform. Works fine on 072 track. Should have no problem with your 2 rail 40” radius.
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Thank you Dave C!
If you can get them, the Kadee 740 has a better look. The box, mount, length and height are the same as the 805. I use them in all of my conversions and the 745 (plastic box) with brass cars to fully insulate them).
the standard coupler, 805 or 740, should work on 40 inch curves or greater with cars that long, without the spacer.
You can decide how close coupled you want them, so they clear on curves. You might want to file the lips off the top of the coupler boxes and slide them farther under. I don't think you need to do that to get a good look however.
My suggestion is if you go with the 740s, you the new 700 series on all your conversions. If you use the 805 or 804, you them on all. I have found the two lines couple well, but it is sometimes difficult to uncouple when using the newer ones mixed with the older ones. I am referring to manual uncoupling with a pick.
Oddly, the stock MTH two-rail trucks for these sixty-four foot cars come with the "lobster-claw" couplers; easy to remove but still an odd feature.
Thank you for your replies and information, much appreciated!