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Depends on how you want to do it. Here is some links,
https://www.youtube.com/channe...Mc_R5ThzDeCxD2-azvKw
https://ogrforum.com/t...79#69285198776411579
https://www.shapeways.com/shops/gandyman?sort=name
https://www.youtube.com/user/Laidoffsick/videos
Hope this helps.
That's a lot of questions to which there is no #1, correct, right or wrong answer to any of them. Size of your curves will determine a lot. Sounds to me like you should truck mount them as opposed to body mounting them. Body mounting is going to restrict the minimum curve size...big time. People di it different, to fit their needs.
If you look around in the 3RS, you will find various threads on Kadee installs for different types of cars. Mario has designed Kadee mounts/shims for many cars and even a new truck mount style, but they are specific to a certain car or truck design.
Truck mounting them usually does not require a shim, but modifying the coupler shank to achieve the proper distance and height you need. The closer you want the cars, the bigger the curve needs to be.
Have you watched any of the O Scale Kadee coupler videos I posted in my YouTube Channel? There's quite a few, from the basics, to specific conversions. For a first timer, it's not something you are going to sit down and finish in 10 minutes. There's a lot involved when you start swapping claws out for Kadee couplers... especially for 3 railers.
Stop: I would not recommend, replacing Lionel knuckle couplers with Kadee Couplers.
Yes; over the years I have watched all of Doug’s videos. I use Kadee® Couplers for 2 Rail O Scale, but not on my Lionel Layout.
1. If you drop all your Lionel knuckle couplers, you will lose the remote control knuckle couplers on the front and rear of the locomotives.
2. The time and cost to change out a large Lionel layout is not cost effective.
3. There are no buyers for Lionel Rolling Stock with Kadee couplers, used market. Maybe the new scale stuff.
4. If you want to un-couple a Lionel knuckle coupler by hand, just reach in and hit the release. There is no hand mechanical release on a Kadee Coupler. You have to use something like a plastic coffee stirring stick.
5. The little springs on Kadee couplers require maintenance and replacing. A Lionel knuckle coupler is about 99.9% maintenance free.
6. I hate “Chaos”.
Hope this helps, my assistance. Gary
Laidoffsick,
I've viewed some of your YouTube videos, but the ones I'm familiar with are installations on boxcars and other freight cars rather than passenger cars. Also, I recall in a post you mention the YouTube videos were made prior to the newer Kadee 740 series couplers and refer to Kadee 800 series couplers.
I want to negotiate all size curves and so assumed Kadee couplers would be truck mounted liked the Lionel o.e.m. couplers are. Also, what is the coupler shank and exactly what is modified on it to get the proper length and height? How should I do that?
Btw, who's Mario and where and how can I contact him to see if he has used or used shims for the Lionel Baby Madison cars I mentioned?
Thank you for your assistance. Being a newbie to this modification and my first attempt at switching couplers, I need all the help and advice I can get. I hope I'm not in over my head with this project. Again, thanks to you and all others who are offering guidance and help. It's definitely much appreciated and needed.
I honestly would NOT put Kadees on those cars or any 027 stuff. Scale engines and cars, yes... all of mine have Kadees. It's not that hard, and its part of the fun for me. I don't use the remote couplers or buy my stuff with resale in mind. Gary makes great points as far as putting Kadees on on a toy train layout. The rest of his points....well let's just say I don't agree.
I look at it this way. with the links I gave you there is a solution for what I think you are looking for. https://ogrforum.com/t...79#69285198776411579. Now I not going to say what you want to do is right or wrong. Here is the reality once you change you cant go back, especially with the engines. With this you don't need to use a height gauge. Also if you eventually want to change back all you need to do is source new trucks. As for Mario ( Mario AKA CentralFan1976 
, knowing him even if he hasn't I sure he would develop one for you because that's the kind of guy he is. I would recommend a transition car until you are sure this is the route you want to take. Changing over engines involves more effort especially if your going to fix pilots. This thread might be of use as I converted but did not fix the pilots. https://ogrforum.com/t...pt-1-mth-sd45?page=1. Also note That I run scale equipment. personally I don't see anything wrong with using Kadees on MTH Rk engines and rolling stock. Just not sure about Lionel MPC/Traditional 027 trains. The one thing is that Gary is right about . resale of 027 engines and rolling stock converted to kadees would be an almost nonexistent market. I hope this helps and if you chose this route then please don't be afraid to ask for help.
Hi there, Everyone here has solid statements. First thing you have to ask yourself is do you plan on keeping these cars? If you have a free hand to do anything you want. As for me I have a mixture of Lionel and MTH engines and rolling stock, of which I have switched everything over to Kadee 740 couplers. I learned a lot from Doug AKA Laidoffsick. I have 2 MTH engines I picked up and still have to put Kadee's and fix pilots on. I know its not a lot but I have 45 cars, 3 engines, and 2 more engines to do. It is something I enjoy doing during the winter months and to be honest, I like the way they look.
I posted a thread yesterday on Claw to Kadee conversion on Railking passenger cars. Here is the link.
