Hi again everyone. I would like to know what couplers would do best to replace the old talgo style couplers on my older tyco rolling stock. I would like to know if they produce a universal coupler that I can also use on my older ahm rolling stock and train miniature, athearn and etc. rolling stock. I used to replace them with I think Kadee #5’s but I rather not if I dont have to deal with the little copper spring board as they tend to pop off and I loose them. Thanks.
Look at Kadee # 148—no copper spring. Other wise the same as the #5.
Kadee does make a line of couplers that have u nder and overset heads, as well as the standard centered heads. One thing to be careful of when converting from talgo (truck mounted) to body mounted is the car length in relation to your sharpest curve. Models originally were built with talgo truck to allow operation around sharp train set curves. Body mounting will increase the minimum radius of most rolling stock.
The most important things of installing couplers would be setting proper coupler height and trip pin clearance, firm mounting on the car, and freedom of movement from side to side in the coupler box.
I also have some rolling stock I would love to make operational with Talgo trucks. My understanding is that a Talgo truck has both the wheels and coupler in one. My group suggests cutting off the coupler part and keeping the trucks. I have not tried it, so any feedback on this would be appreciated. After cutting off the coupler, mount a number five and check height (and length is a good idea too…tks). Finally, I plan to replace the wheels with IM metal wheels. Anyone else do it this way? Tks.
Yep. That’s the way you do it!
The KD 148’s work well if you don’t want to mess with the bronze centering spring.