Some of my couplers are to low how do i raise them to HO guage
Thanks
Some of my couplers are to low how do i raise them to HO guage
Thanks
There are a couple of ways to do this.
One way is to place a shim (i.e., a fiber washer) under the coupler to raise it.
The other way, and the one I use, is to replace the coupler with a Kadee offset coupler. With the Kadee, the shank actually forms a higher coupler position without the need for a shim.
Rich
Get a Kadee coupler gauge if you don’t already have one.
If the couplers are drooping, that is, loose in the box with vertical play, put in a shim, or replace the box with a Kadee draft gear box.
If the couplers are not drooping, use small fiber washers between the truck and the car to lift the car. Kadee makes these washers, too.
How low are they?
There are a couple of things you can do and they are noted on the other 2 posts so far.
Also make sure your wheel sets are the correct size. Sometimes people replace 36 inch wheelsets with 33’s when they convert to metal. Going back to 36 inch in that case will help.
Are they mounted properly or are they hanging. Athearn chemical tank cars are notorious for hanging couplers.
If your rolling stock with the drooping couplers is Tyco, early Bachmann, or similar Christmas train set quality with truck mounted couplers there’s not much you can do except buy something better.
Do you have a Kadee coupler height gauge? As suggested find the Kadee coupler guide, and buy a height gauge.
As stated, a Kadee coupler gage is a necessity. Are your couplers actually low or is it just the trip pins? The trip pins can be easily adjusted with trip pin pliers, marketed by Kadee.