What is the best (correct) way to adjust the height of couplers? I have the standard HO gage for the correct height. Do I add a thin washer to the truck to raise the coupler or add a thin washer to the coupler to lower it? And is Kadee the best brand for trucks and couplers?
Thanks in advance.
Kadee is definitely the best for couplers. Don’t really have that much experience with their trucks though. As for your question about raising or lowering it depends on what the gage says for that particular car. If it’s too low I’d say add a shim to the trucks, too high add a shim to the couplers.
They also have a chart for which couplers to get to convert your equipment to their knuckle couplers which to me is one of the best upgrades to do if for no other reason for the sake of appearance. Banish them old horn hooks to the trash can where they belong.
(HO Scale Coupler Conversions)
Another thing to consider depending on how far off the couplers are: Consider looking at the 140 or 150 series couplers. Both series have both underset and overset couplers. The 140s are the larger heads and the 150s are closer to scale.
Before resorting to washers/shims, consider that Kadee coupler is available in overset, underset and no offset. Choosing the correct offset can often correct couplers that are out by 1/3 of a coupler.
Depends. If you have been known to count rivets, research the actual height above rails of the specific car you are concerned with.
If it’s correct, it won’t be if you add washers.
Underslung or overslung might be an option. Me? I use a Dremel and thin the coupler pad if couplers too low, or add shims to the pad if too high.
Years ago I took the front coil spring from a 1956 Cadillac, spray painted it gold, went down to a spur nearby, wired the spring on the side of a Janney, and took a picture of a prototype KD.
Didn’t know of any side-sliding North American prototype couplers then…still don’t.
The easy, moronic way is cut the tail off. Nobody seems to remember two needlenose pliers and re-form the PIN.
Don’t use them outside. Trip/pivot pin will rust solid in the body.
I use Mantua couplers. At least as prototypical!
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