Washers to used for coupler height adjustment

[riogrande5761]

I use the Kadee fiber washers, and I’m not afraid to put two in if necessary. The only problem that I have encountered with the Kadee washers is that sometimes they won’t fit over the bolster post on used Athearn cars. It seems that the previous owners had over tightened the truck screws which caused the bolster posts to flare out. All I do is use a side cutter to cut through the washers on one side and they will slip over the posts quite easily. I have never had to use the Kadee offset couplers and I have done about 200 freight cars. I will admit that there are a few cars where the offset couplers would have been a cleaner solution but if the cars track properly who cares.

In addition to getting the coupler height correct, I think that getting the truck screws adjusted to the right tension is critical. I have always followed the advise that says that one truck should pivot and rock freely (within reason) and the other truck should pivot freely but not rock. That works but it does take a few attempts sometimes to get the screws set properly. Several times I have had the non rocking truck screws set just a bit too tight with the result that they will derail at the slightest opportunity.

Dave

I’ve found that putting two washers make it more difficult to keep the truck from rocking, for some reason. But that said, a few of my kits have been built with two washers to get the optimal height. A few have home-made washers, like our retired poster above, + a Kadee fiber washer, and they work pretty well.

I agree about getting the screws tighted to the correct tightness. I’ve found to be able to do that, I need to file the bolster down enough to allow the crew to get close enough to the truck to allow it to pivot, but not rock.

[dbduck]

I too use the Kadee red & gray washers. But I have also found that sometimes changing trucks from a different manufacturer can change the height as well

with the mounting place being a bit higher or lower than the other truck

[jjdamnit]

Hello all,

I have used Kadee fiber, teflon and steel washers all with great success depending on the application.

One instance I had to repair the bolster of a Tyco crane- -the main pivot of the crane itself- -I used a stepped teflon washer and a steel fender washer.

For truck height adjustments I use the Kadee fiber washers.

Hope this helps.

[hon30critter]

I agree about getting the screws tighted to the correct tightness. I’ve found to be able to do that, I need to file the bolster down enough to allow the crew to get close enough to the truck to allow it to pivot, but not rock.

That is something that I have not done but it makes a lot of sense. I think I’m going to go back over my fleet and remove the excess bolster post.

Thanks!

Dave