Changing tension lock couplers
Posted
#241869
(In Topic #13383)
Full Member
Yet another question about Kadee couplers
So, I have read the various threads about converting to Kadee couplers. I figured I knew what I needed to do. Changed the coupling on a loco no problem. NEM socket, simple swap. Easy.
I turned to a Hornby wagon I have. Pulled out the coupling….. it doesn't look like a NEM version, although I thought the model claimed to be so….
Instead, it looks like this…
This is the underside of the wagon, with the original coupling in place
Is there a kadee equivalent sort of connector I can use? Or do I have to replace the coupling and the socket and make it all compliant. And if so, does anyone have a suggestion for which kadee items I should use? There just seem to be so many options, I cannot see the wood for the trees!
Maybe the forum needs a separate section on couplings and their problems (and solutions, of course) - or have I come to the party a bit late?
Thanks folks
Michael
Posted
Full Member
The Kadee system has been developed over time to try to be compatible with many manufacturers and as such, can be very complicated to the modeller with a variety of manufacturers' stock to convert.
Having said that, I'm not a fan for Kadees on British outline, but accept that it's horses for courses and it has a good following.
There are several experts here who can give you some good advice to get you going. Expert advice is always best and will save much wasted time. You will need a height gauge.
Bon courage and be patient,
Best,
Bill
Last edit: by Longchap
At 6'4'', Bill is a tall chap, then again, when horizontal he is rather long and people often used to trip over him! . . . and so a nickname was born :)
Posted
Full Member
That's why I am asking the experts here! I have a height gauge. I took advice on the sort of couplers to have for British stock, and I thought I had an easily converted wagon…. but it seems not. I really want magnetic uncoupling, and the delayed uncoupling of kadees is a real draw. I don't have loads of old stock to convert, so I thought I had a simple process with newer rolling stock, but it doesn't seem so on this occasion.
Thanks for the advice, though
Regards
Michael
Posted
Site staff
and
http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic.php?id=8591&forum_id=156
Ron
NCE DCC ; 00 scale UK outline.
NCE DCC ; 00 scale UK outline.
Posted
Full Member
I am relatively new to the hobby- after a gap of some 40 years anyway, so I do not hold a lot of old stock. I thought this would be an advantage when it came to replacing couplings, and purchased a Hornby wagon which I thought was NEM compliant, thus making the conversion easy.
It seems it is not NEM compliant - and that is what I am asking - is there a kadee equivalent, or do I have to replace everything on this wagon? And if the latter, any suggestions for which kadee products to go with? Every time I look, it seems there is another coupling device available!
in fact, you are one of those responsible for my desire to convert, along with Perry and John!!
Warm regards
Michael
Last edit: by Headmaster
Posted
Site staff
Ron
NCE DCC ; 00 scale UK outline.
NCE DCC ; 00 scale UK outline.
Posted
Full Member
Cheers
Andy
Andy
Posted
Full Member
I remove the existing mounting and glue an assembled draft box in it's place.
A bit of a fiddle but not too difficult. :thumbs
It's also worth bearing in mind that, even when an NEM pocket is provided on the model, the height may well still be incorrect - hence the need for the Kadee height gauge !!
'Petermac
Posted
Full Member
Hi MichaelFrom my (limited) experience with both Hornby and Dapol couplings Michael, I think you need to replace the whole coupling. As Sol says, a Kadee won't plug straight in.
I remove the existing mounting and glue an assembled draft box in it's place.
A bit of a fiddle but not too difficult. :thumbs
It's also worth bearing in mind that, even when an NEM pocket is provided on the model, the height may well still be incorrect - hence the need for the Kadee height gauge !!
You have to replace the whole coupling. I initially used kadees in draft boxes. Over the last few years I prefer to buy packs of tension locks and NEM pockets from both Bachmann and Dapol….I prefer the former but they are not always available. I have drawers full of tension locks now but you can rarely buy pockets on their own……fortunately the packs are relatively inexpensive.
I cut to size the little plastic clips that come with some food items and create mounting blocks to get the correct height…..which as everyone has said is critical.
The advantage of only having pockets fitted means I can standarize on just the 4 NEM sizes…..mostly #18 and #19.
Hope this helps
Cheers
John
Posted
Full Member
However, on closer inspection I noticed that I could unclip the top of the draft box (I think that is half way to being the correct term!) and could then fit a No 5 kadee in. I checked it for height and it is correct (I included the centre spring, a very thin shim might make it perfect - I have some washers that came with the height gauge I can use).
However, the No 5 is too short. The buffers on the coach and loco interfere with each other on a curve. I wonder if there is a longer one than a 5???? Although the close coupling looks great. I will explore a little more
Many thanks again
Michael
Last edit: by Headmaster
Posted
Full Member
Thinking about it, having NEM sockets on all wagons might be a good way to go. I am intrigued about the little plastic clips you modify….
Michael
Posted
Full Member
Alternatively, rather than Kadee couplers you could try McHenry knuckle couplers - they make some with a rather similar dovetail.
Posted
Full Member
The other plus with NEM pockets ……its not always desirable to have an entire rake fitted with Kadees….un planned uncoupling can happen……this can be solved by leaving the kadee in place and snipping off the hook……but that is rather wasteful….I hold my nose and put in a slim line tension locks.:shock:Hi John
Thinking about it, having NEM sockets on all wagons might be a good way to go. I am intrigued about the little plastic clips you modify….
Michael
In North America most food that comes pre bagged….bread for instance….has the bag secured by a plastic clip that is about 1/2†x 3/4†and between 1/16†and 3/16†thick.
I snip bits off into uniform rectangles that are just a tad larger than the NEM pocket
The varying thicknesses enable one to build up a mounting pad of the correct depth for the NEM pocket
I think there are similar clips in the UK.?
Posted
Full Member
Thanks
Michael
Posted
Full Member
Michael
Posted
Site staff
https://www.kadee.com/htmbord/coupler.htm
one of many pages of the site
regarding McHenry/Bachmann Ezy-mate .. only use Mk 2
E-Z Mate® Couplers : Bachmann Trains Online Store
Ron
NCE DCC ; 00 scale UK outline.
NCE DCC ; 00 scale UK outline.
Posted
Full Member
Michael
Posted
Full Member
Thanks, in anticipation…
Michael
Posted
Full Member
Having made the initial join with solvent, after its dried, I sometimes apply a seam of superglue round the pocket edges.
Its not 100% perfect and I would love to hear of a more elegant solution.
I should mention that when using pockets in this manner it is very important that they are set square and central in relation to the buffer beam because they no longer have quite the same flexibility as when fitted by Bachmann and Hornby. Dapol, on the other hand, I generally replace as described above.
HTH
John
Posted
Full Member
1 guest and 0 members have just viewed this.