I realize that the subject of shorter HO passenger cars is being discussed on another thread. I have solved this problem - at least for the moment - by purchasing a number of the Life Like cars to re-paint in my preferred road scheme. My question is this - does anyone have any suggestions for replacement trucks that might fit these cars. They run OK as they are. However, they will not accept any of the knuckle type couplers that I have found, and their coupler height is not consistant or adjustable. Any and all help &/or suggestions would be appreciated.
Re–those Lifelike ‘shorty’ cars–are they the Harriman type? If so, you could replace them with MDC four-wheel trucks that are used on MDC’s own Harrimans. They’re a ‘Talgo’ type truck with the coupler pocket attached, but they will take Kadee #5’s with no problem. I’d replace the plastic wheelsets with Proto 36" wheels for better weight and tracking.
Tom
These cars look like shorter versions of 1930’s & 40’s rib side passenger cars. They are being used on a layout that I am currently building and is placed at approximately 1958. This year may move a year or two either way, but no more than that. The cars have 2 axle trucks with truck mounted couplers.
Okay, they’re not Harriman’s, then. You might want to check the current issue (Feb) of Model Railroader, they’ve got an article on model passenger trucks, but the only ones I see with attached coupler pockets are from Athearn, and you might need to do some adjusting on the car floor to mount them. They’ll take a drop-in Kadee #5 with no problem. The ones from IHC and Con-cor have a ‘clip’ in the end for attaching couplers, you can get McHenry knuckle couplers that will work, but you’d have to check with your LHS for the right shank length. Any of the other trucks, you’ll probably end up having to body-mount the couplers, and if you have anything less than a 22" radius, you’ll probably have derailment problems with 60’ cars. I’d check the trucks that came on your cars–they may be a ‘clip’ type that will accept a McHenry. At any rate, if you decide to stick with them, do yourself a favor and put in those Proto 36" metal wheels. Improves rolling and tracking characteristics about 100% over plastic.
Tom
KD recommends #28 couplers, but I put KD #27 couplers on mine because the #28s seemed to low.
Body mounting #5 KDs may be another option.
Thanks for the replys. The radius on my small pike vary from 18" to 20". Therefroe, I have to stay with the truck mounted couplers.
The use of McHenry couplers was suggested along with reference to the clip in the coupler pocket. The pockets on these cars have the clip, but the pivot point is very small. I have not seen any knuckle couplers with a pivot hole smaller than that common on the Kadee’s. Is there a McHenry coupler with a small pivot hole?