After searching and finding little info on updating my 1980’s Tyco & Like Like cars I proceeded on finding out what works. If anyone is interested here are my results. Use Proto 2000 33" smooth back wheel sets because they work very well and are cheap. I used Kadee Red & Gray washers where appropriate to snug up the play in the trucks to the car bodys. Ream out the trucks that do not roll smoothly with a micromark reaming tool Kadee #28 couplers fit the talgo trucks but are a PITA to install I found a quicker and cheaper way. I used Bachman ez mate medium shank Mark 2 couplers in the talgo Tyco & Like Like trucks with a Kadee Talgo truck adapter to keep the couple centered and locked in using a kadee #230 talgo adapter insertion pic. This works well with little modification needed, the only thing you need to do is nip off the little bump outs on the ends of the coupler pocket with an x-acto knife. |
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those are some good ideas there[^]… but be warned that those EZ-Mate couplers WILL fail[}:)]. Seems that everything thats been made to replicate the Kadees are missing that “something” that keeps the KDs good.
Also, talgo trucks are generally a compromise for when one cannot get body=mounts on the cars… I know the LL ones are a pain (I have a few). Granted, many of my LL cars (OK, all of them save for 2 and a half) are talgo/horn hooks (ran outta KDs).
I’m going to have to try some of these solutions though…
My HO stuff is only used for a few months around christmas time, so far so good with no failiures. But for $.92 a coupler I’m not going to complain if I have to replace one. They are 90% better then the original hook & horn and for the amount of time I use them a year its not worth the hassle of body mounting the couplers to these old cars at this time.
ah yes, that changes everything then.
I (mistakenly) took it as you were doing these conversions for a more permanent layout. Hence the warnings about the EZ-Mates (though with runtime of ~a month or so, you should be fine with those)
I stopped by the local hobby store on the way home from work last night. I picked up a pack of the new Kadee #148 wisker couplers. They also work in the Like Like & Tyco trucks with the same modifications listed above needed for the EZ-Mates. Took me about 10 min to swap the couplers, ream out the trucks, and install Proto 2000 wheels.
Chessie,
Glad you posted this.
The one downside to Tyco freight car trucks is that the friction bearing versions have noticeably oversized journal boxes. An easy fix is to insert styrene into the bolster. Tap out for 2-56 screws and install Walthers trucks. Couplers can be body mounted.
I have a Tyco 50ft. Santa Fe flat that I’m doing this to. It came from a train set that my late father bought for me when I was 10. I’m going to repaint and decal it as a freelanced SCL M.O.W car.