Want to convert to Kadee's but have tight curves? w/ install video

Norton posted:

Very Cool Mario. I am fan of talgo trucks. Try this with body mounted couplers. Those are back to back 042 curves.

OK I tried with body mounted couplers, My scale 89' flat cars where available, it works. I know it's not 042 curves but still amazing to see          

Centeralfan1976, was switching cars last night with the lobster claws what a pita. Thought of this thread again so I had to reply again. This time with another question or two. I watched your video on this and decided to go to shape ways and order the coupler boxes. My question is do we have to use the kd #740 couplers or will other kd oscale coulpers work? They looked pricey about $10 for two couplers. Any way to buy more than two in a package? I am so tired of the lobster claw for switching cars I am going to take the plunge and just convert all my rolling stock to kds. Any advice would be welcome. This method of truck mounting the kds is just what may be the trick for my 036 fastrack. When I did n scale years ago I used all kds and loved them. For switching cars they are the only way to go. Also anyone who has 036 curves who has done this please let me know your results pro and con thanks. 

Forgot to ask also what is the stats of the mth style coupler boxes? If they are avilable do you have a link?

Roger

The new 740 series and older 800 series couplers are interchangeable.  

The older 805 couplers are packaged as 1 pair ($3.59 at modeltrainstuff.com). The newer 740 couplers are packaged as 2 pairs ($8.99 at modeltrainstuff.com).  So you will only pay 41 cents more per pair.  The 740s are significantly more prototypical.   The only reason to use 805s anymore is that they will couple with most  lobster claws.

Bob

Thanks bob, btw the coupler pockets I ordered from shapways were black the only ones I saw. They said they could not print them and refunded my money. Are these still type black or white still avalable from shapways? Did I order the wrong ones? 

I am wanting to truck mount them btw as in your video.

Lionelzwl2012 posted:

Thanks bob, btw the coupler pockets I ordered from shapways were black the only ones I saw. They said they could not print them and refunded my money. Are these still type black or white still avalable from shapways? Did I order the wrong ones? 

Thanks for the info. 

This is weird since I ordered them myself from there and will look into it for you. 

I ordered the black acrylic. 

I’m on the road today, but You should have an update by tomorrow. 

This is also one of the new products that will be offered through Scale City soon!  Stay tuned!

Thanks again!

-Mario

Just tryed to order the white ones from shapways. Will see if they have those. I do not suppose a 740 kd already mounted in the box will work on the lionel coupers? It maybe two wide to fit. Has anyone tryed to use them on truck mounted lionel cars? I am trying to use only truck mounted kds so I can run on 036 and up radius. I have all 036 right now. My next size when my layout exspans will have no less than 060 or above. Thanks 

The black acrilic was what I first ordered btw just to be clear. My second try was the white ones. I will let you know how that order goes. Thanks mario. 

What length screw are you using and where do you get them?

Is there a place to buy the couplers without the kadee box?

davidbross posted:

What length screw are you using and where do you get them?

I use 2-56 from boltnet.net, and keep 3 lengths on hand: 3/8”, 1/2” and 1”. I bought them by the 1000 a few years back and seem to still have a lot left. 

I get my Kadee’s from JR Junction in Syracuse, but I don’t think they sell the couplers without the box. 

Heres recent conversions:

Lionel baggage car

Lionel 80s era Caboose

thanks. 

- Mario

I think this is the last question.  Do you have to tap the box or is it tapped already or will the screws tap it?

I tap the box

davidbross posted:

I think this is the last question.  Do you have to tap the box or is it tapped already or will the screws tap it?

 

I tap the box. 

Mostly because the plastic they print it in is a little brittle. 

You can iMessage me if you’d like. My email address is in my profile. 

Could these work on the new legacy F3's?

davidbross posted:

Is there a place to buy the couplers without the kadee box?

Not unless you purchase in bulk direct from Kadee. If you order say, 300 to 500 couplers, they most likely would sell to you. On the other hand, why would you want the coupler without the gear box assemble and the necessary springs?

Rayin"S" posted:

I sure wish this was an S gauge thread!

Ray

Same here.

bt430 posted:

Could these work on the new legacy F3's?

Do you want to add a truck-mounted Kadee?  Or cut off the mounting tabs and make them body mounted?

I'm open for suggestion on mounting positions. I'm running a small shelf layout in my office now, but all the curves are O72. I'm thinking about starting another larger layout in the basement but because of space limitations I don't think I could pull off O72 for all the curves, so there will be some smaller radiuses. I also have a set of  the older TMCC E6's I'd like to convert as well. I run that rig with a Weaver E8 B unit so I'd need to figure that one out too.