Wasn’t sure where to post this and decide to punt here. I purchased a Kadee “G” scale height guage to use with a “G” scale Kadee 830 coupler on the GR plan #68 1:20.3 scale reefer car. Now, if I should want to change the coupler to a #1 Scale Kadee 820 coupler do I purchase the Kadee #1Scale height guage to set the coupler heights or use the “G” scale height guage?What got this started is a logging car kit in 1:20.3 scale that I just received and it come with the 820 coupler. Now, thinking that while I’m just getting started, the 820’s or other #1 scale coupler maybe the way to go for the beginnings of a logging, mining railroad. Confused… but having fun.
pat
I went to Kadee site and I could not find # 1 measurments? I know 830s is 1 1/8" from top of rail to center of coupler. Is it the same for 820s? I’d judt put a shim in the gauge if its lower. Not sure.
heres the sitehttp://www.kadee.com/
sorry, i tried.
The #880 “G” scale coupler height gauge can actually be used for #1 scale couplers without modification. As you noted the difference in the #1 and G scale coupler heights, both of these couplers are designed to be mounted at these heights “only”.
If you slide the G scale height gauge up to a #1 scale height gauge (the #829) the two couplers will be “flush at the bottoms”. So you can actually use either for both, however, the point on the opposite end with only indicate the correct mounting height for that particular scale. The two height gauges use the same base plate but different pieces holding the couplers and it would be unnecessary to try to lower the G scale gauge to mount a #820#1 scale coupler, kind of a pain too.
We also welcome direct inquires about our products this way we know you are getting the correct information. Many modelers are experienced and can help a great deal but others, although they are really trying to help, may lead you in unnecessary dirrections. You can contact me offline at mail@kadee.com.
I’ve used both G and #1 gauge Kadee couplers on my rolling stock, and the trip pin height is exactly the same for both, so you don’t need a separate gauge. The only difference between the two couplers is the size of the knuckle – #1 gauge couplers are more prototypically sized than G scale. The #1 size also comes in a reddish “rust” colored plastic instead of black. The #1 scale coupler’s box for body mounting is narrower, and that’s another advantage to it.