I have old tyco horn hook coulpers\ cars ,how can i convert them to knuckle couplers
HO=Kadee
N=Micro-Trains
the bet thing is to cut off the entire coupleer assembly. Then make a purchase for #5 Kadees, assemble the draft gear boxes and mount them to the new cars. You will also need a NMRA track and coupler gauge, (your Local hobby shop can help) you can mount them with Super glue. or CA commonly found in your LHS Kmart or or stores. You will need to make some adjustments in coupler height(gauge) It is extremly important all are the same height. So, thats the basic run down. If you need to more please ask here or email me direct. ( joeyegarner@aol.com )
There’s 2 ways to do it if your HO gauge. Your couplers are probably mounted on your trucks. McHenry shows a way to mount their couplers on your existing truck boxes so you don’t have to cut things up. (easier but not realistic)
You can cut these boxes off and mount a Kadee coupler box right on your cars.(more realistic but more work)
Either way, buy some Rogane, there will be hair pulling involved.[:o)]
here is my webshot page http://community.webshots.com/photo/137793353/300555227CpifsB that describes how to mount Kadee couplers to old rolling stock…the car i’m mounting them to is an old Tyco boxcar…there are explanations to the bottom right of the picture…just click "next " and it will take you thru the process including mounting metal trucks which are also recommended for rolling stock…they are a lot better than plastic wheel sets…chuck
I use Kadee #5’s and their #212 talgo truck adapter, works great and is easy to install.
If you mount the coupler boxes yourself, be careful to get the height just right. A little bit off, and you’ll be decoupled on the first bump!
Matthew