Drawbars in Kato F-7s

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have an N-scale Kato F-7 A-B-A set that will not stay coupled. I recently installed MTL couplers, but every time there is any slack between them, they separate and will not recouple. My question is this: Would it be feasible to rig some kind of drawbar arrangement to the three locomotives and how would I go about doing so? Any and all advise will be welcome. Can anybody out there in Internet Land help?

2

Maybe use a bit of styrene, cut it to fit the pockets, and paint it black? Make sure if you do that there is enoough room for it to move.
Matthew

3

I’ve had some locos over the years that ran okay,but had pickup or pulling problems.[N-scale usta be pretty sad…] I’ve put a bunch of traction tires on a set of locos,and then permanently coupled them,and actually wired them together.For drawbars,I usually try not to use anything really bulletproof[like nylon or metal] in case I get butterfingered and accidentally misshandle them,so I break the drawbar,not the loco.I usually use Evergreen plastic,say something like 1/8 inch or so square[whatever the height of the box is,or a little less] and just drill a small hole up through the bottom of both sides of the box,slightly smaller than a straight pin,and a corresponding hole slightly larger than a pin in the drawbar.Just cut a pin a little longer than the height of the box,and push it up through the bottom of the box through the drawbar.You can pull the pin out later to take them apart,although I wouldn’t recomend doing that too often,or at all if you’re gonna be constantly handling them.Really though,I’d try to get those MTL’s working first.

4

Incidentally, what are MTL couplers?
Matthew

5

Thanks for your excellent advise, Matthew. MTL means Micro-Trains Line. They are excellent couplers, even though they are a bit tricky to install. – Tom –

6

Ah,actually,I’m the one that gave you the advise…[:)]

7

Actually, I got advice from both of you, and for that I am grateful. I will doubtless try both solutions and hopefully end my frustration. Model railroading is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable, not frustrating; we get enough of that anyway.

Make it a great day, everyone. – Tom –

8

Oops…didn’t see the first post…I get a dope slap for that one…[B)]

9

That’s OK. I see no problem here. In fact, my own N-attentiveness is certainly no better. Have an excellent weekend.

– Tom –

10

Of course, I model in HO, but the way I arranged the drawbars in my
sets of Stewart FTs might be of interest-and you could possibly do
the same in N. The Stewart FTs come with a plastic drawbar for
between the As and Bs. SinceI wanted the close-coupled feature,
but wanted to easily separate units for handling, I did this: On the A
unit, use a screw to attach the drawbar as normal. On the B, however,
run a longer screw into the coupler mounting pad-long enough to
go completely through the drawbar-then cut or grind the head off
and then you have it-instant pin that will slide out of the drawbar
when you pick up the units, but still functions without separating
while running. Hope this helps-at least a little.

11

Hey, thanks for the plan, Rick. Your suggestion triggered a memory of an article in
MR some years back, where the drawbar was a strip of ordinary styrene. The drawbar
would be simple to hook up and take apart AND hold together reliably.

This is why we have a brotherhood of Rails, to help each other out. Now, what can I do for you? If I can.

Thanks again to Matthew (trainboyH18-44) and N-maniac.

– Tom –

12

Very glad to have been of assistance. It is a big reason I am here.[:)]