Kadee Coupler for Atlas Caboose

Ray of sunshine posted:

I'm starting to convert several of my freight cars to Kadee. 

I recently picked up an Atlas Extended Vision caboose but find that the standard Kadee coupler sits too low. I see that Kadee has an over shank coupler #747. Is that the correct fit for this car?

RAY

My first choice would be to slightly raise the car by adding a washer between the truck bolster and the underframe bolster.

 Ray, I have not done this particular caboose. Atlas cars usually require a Shim such as one from Micromark  to get the correct height. The difference in height between scale wheels and 3 rail wheels is why it's needed. It's hard to believe where they offer 2 rail RTR they would design a car with the wrong height. They only offer one style coupler. 

 Are you using a height gauge or are you matching it up to another car ?  If you are using a height gauge. The offset coupler or raising the truck should work. If you are measuring it up to another car previously done that may have required a large shim such as an MTH and you didn't shim it. The Atlas caboose may be okay.

Yes the 747 coupler can correct a situation where the coupler box mount is too low, although this is an uncommon situation.  On the vast majority of 3-rail cars, the coupler box is too high and must be shimmed to lower it.  I assume that you have a Kadee height gauge to check the mounting height.  Hot Water's suggestion for raising the car is the easiest solution.

For more information about doing Kadee conversions, see my article in the Oct/Nov 2017 issue of O Gauge Railroading.  Other good sources of information are the 3RS forum, and YouTube videos done by forum members Laidoffsick (Doug) and CentralFan1976 (Mario).  Most of what I've learned about Kadees came from these guys.

Bob Glorioso

Bob, Your article is what got me started on modifying some of my cars with Kadee's . I viewed the the videos you suggested from Doug and Mario, and found some good info.

I have not yet purchased a Kadee coupler guage, but will pick one up on Monday and start to make my conversions over the next couple of weeks. Looks like I need to either pick up some Micromart pads, as well as make some of my own.

Thanks to others that have helped with this project.

RAY 

Coupler gauge is an absolute must have. All your cars and engines need to be spaced at the correct height or you will have problems.

I never use the offset couplers as I think they look ridiculous. Part of the reason for going to Kadee is looks... and real couplers dont look like that. Adjust the height of your equipment instead. I cant believe a 3 rail caboose is too low based on the height gauge. 99.9% of the time, 3 rail equipment is too high....way too high.

What Doug said

Also....you need to pick up a copy of Rich Battista's new video. He covers Kadee couplers and fixed pilots in depth.

Between Norm, Rich, Hot Water, Clem and a couple others....why would you not want to learn about Kadee couplers? 3 rails not!

Some of the dates on this thread are 2009.  There is a lot of information about KD couplers in this  Three Rail Scale thread.  Four pages of pictures and detail.  One of the posted threads attached.  Links should work to the KD website.   Best wishes,  Mike CT.

Helpful diagrams from the Kadee site. A lot of information on this page. 
Added 745 and 746 diagrams. 4/3/13

Kadee 805

Kadee 806 short

Kadee 847 Underset shank. Coupler center and mounting height are the same.

Kadee 742 Overset shank Increases mounting height.

Kadee 745  Plastic #817 draft gear.

Kadee 746   Longer coupler shank noted.

Laidoffsick:  where do I find "Rich Battista's new video"? I searched you tube but nothing came up.

RAY

Ray of sunshine posted:

Laidoffsick:  where do I find "Rich Battista's new video"? I searched you tube but nothing came up.

RAY

Look at the thread directly below this thread, which should provide more information. You could also go to Rich Battista's profile, and see his eMail address, to contact him directly.

Ray of sunshine posted:

Laidoffsick:  where do I find "Rich Battista's new video"? I searched you tube but nothing came up.

RAY

Ray ..... this is Rich's Website ..... TOY TRAINS ON TRACKS

I SO enjoy seeing the things that Rich does. Watching the videos of his layout, engines doing switching, etc ... I'm amazed at his work. Both, what he does to the equipment, and to the layout itself. It's why I'm slow to call myself a "modeler," and instead I just say "I play with trains." lol

Jim

Rich does awesome work, and look forward to the new video!