tank car coupler mounting

[Budliner]

I have a few tank cars that need couplers, but I cant see how to mount them. there is room, but no screw holes. on some there is a pocket? I just cant see how the couplers stay on

thanks for your help

Ken

[UP2CSX]

Those are some old tank cars. I would take a Dremel tool and cut off the remnants of pocket I see in two of the cars and file the frame edges on all of them flat. Assemble a Kadee #5 coupler and coupler box. Using a Kadee coupler height gauge, use tweezers to hold the Kadde coupler boxes to the botom of the frames. See how they line up with the gauge and shim with styrene as needed. Follow the instructions on the Kadee sheet enclosed with every pair of couplers for mounting on metal cars and you should be good to go. Be careful when you’re drilling though as some of those solder joints look a little sketchy.

[Eriediamond]

Those are some old tank cars. I would take a Dremel tool and cut off the remnants of pocket I see in two of the cars and file the frame edges on all of them flat. Assemble a Kadee #5 coupler and coupler box. Using a Kadee coupler height gauge, use tweezers to hold the Kadde coupler boxes to the botom of the frames. See how they line up with the gauge and shim with styrene as needed. Follow the instructions on the Kadee sheet enclosed with every pair of couplers for mounting on metal cars and you should be good to go. Be careful when you’re drilling though as some of those solder joints look a little sketchy.

Good idea here. Looks as if they may have been equiped with the old loop-hook Mantua couplers from back in the 50’s. Ken

[Budliner]

COUPLER MOUNTING AND AIDS

here is a helpful page http://www.geocities.com/budb3/arts/tools/cupaid.html

but thanks I will have to find that paper from kadee I dont think I saved it

K

[spidge]

Those are some old tank cars. I would take a Dremel tool and cut off the remnants of pocket I see in two of the cars and file the frame edges on all of them flat. Assemble a Kadee #5 coupler and coupler box. Using a Kadee coupler height gauge, use tweezers to hold the Kadde coupler boxes to the botom of the frames. See how they line up with the gauge and shim with styrene as needed. Follow the instructions on the Kadee sheet enclosed with every pair of couplers for mounting on metal cars and you should be good to go. Be careful when you’re drilling though as some of those solder joints look a little sketchy.

Good idea here. Looks as if they may have been equiped with the old loop-hook Mantua couplers from back in the 50’s. Ken

I think those were called Baker couplers. They were prety reliable as Whit Towers still had them on his Alturas and Lone Pine. If I remember correctly even John Allen hadn’t switched over either.

Can you get the #5’s assembled now? I model in N and I would get them already assembled if possible.

[Budliner]

thanks guys

I just find it strange there is no screw hole no clip nothing but a blank space

I just can see how they kept them in place I read someplace that its not recomended to glue them on as it makes it hard to replace

oh by the way I added these old trucks as these units came with none

well these tank cars look great for there age

[bogp40]

The original couplers must have been talgo/ truck mounted. Cut the end frame to clear the Kadee box, check that there is sufficient axle clearance, drill and tap w/ 2/56 to mount. If the coupler height is off either shim the box or use an offset coupler. You can let the coupler box (draft gear) extend out beyond the frame if any added clearance is needed.

Different wheelsets with a thinner axle may also provide some added clearance for the box if needed.

Very nice old cars you have there.

[Budliner]

thanks bogp40

talgo/ truck mounted I dont think they came thrue the sleeve at the ends but maby there just for looks and truck mount was used

Ken