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Post by riogrande on Feb 28, 2024 15:37:56 GMT -8
I'm working on getting some rolling stock layout ready - which includes installing my favorite Kadee's in place of the plastic junk couplers that come on some rolling stock. For example, I have some Atlas 89' TTAX TOFC flat cars. However, the metal lip that the trucks sit over is too thick for the Kadee fiber washers I have that are 0.015" thick.
Any suggestions for washers that have a larger hole for the cases where the lip is just too wide for Kadee's? Something that I can substitute for the red 0.015 thick ones I have.
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Post by Mr. Trainiac on Feb 28, 2024 15:48:22 GMT -8
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Post by grahamline on Feb 28, 2024 15:51:08 GMT -8
Slit the Kadee fiber washer with a knife and spread it to fit over the post? Or thumb through the McMaster-Carr or Do It Best hardware bins?
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Post by edwardsutorik on Feb 28, 2024 16:03:47 GMT -8
Yeah, go to McMaster and get 100 of whatever size you need. Then you're set for the next 49 cars that need them.
AND.
You'll have another cool box to put on your shelf full of boxes!
Ed
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Post by NS4122 on Feb 28, 2024 16:07:23 GMT -8
The few times I've had to do this, I've just slit the fiber washer and spread it over the post like grahamline suggested.
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Post by lvrr325 on Feb 28, 2024 16:39:14 GMT -8
Anyone else getting Deja Vu all over again? I feel like we discussed this recently
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Post by hudsonyard on Feb 28, 2024 16:45:55 GMT -8
When I was working for an electric motors manufacturer, quite a few mcmaster washers bounced their way off the counting scale when doing inventory, if you catch my drift.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Feb 28, 2024 16:56:52 GMT -8
Anyone else getting Deja Vu all over again? I feel like we discussed this recently Yup, we did. But it's possible to miss that, if you're at your country estate. Or the slammer, for that matter. Ed |
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Post by bnsf971 on Feb 28, 2024 18:33:39 GMT -8
Anyone else getting Deja Vu all over again? I feel like we discussed this recently Or the slammer, for that matter. Ed I thought they were referred to as a "Gated Community" nowadays. |
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Post by wp8thsub on Feb 28, 2024 19:06:26 GMT -8
A few passes with a small file or sharp knife usually ream the Kadee washer to fit.
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Feb 28, 2024 19:07:05 GMT -8
Anyone else getting Deja Vu all over again? I feel like we discussed this recently Slow random messages generator? Those of us that don’t live on ARF 24/7 miss things like this now and then. Until it applies directly to their current problem. Been there done that… |
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Post by riogrande on Feb 29, 2024 2:09:31 GMT -8
A few passes with a small file or sharp knife usually ream the Kadee washer to fit. That's my go to method but the Atlas lip is too big even after a lot of reaming with a file. |
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Post by lvrr325 on Feb 29, 2024 10:48:57 GMT -8
Anyone else getting Deja Vu all over again? I feel like we discussed this recently Slow random messages generator? Those of us that don’t live on ARF 24/7 miss things like this now and then. Until it applies directly to their current problem. Been there done that… Second post top of page two as of this writing. I can see where someone would miss it since it doesn't have "Washers" in the title. |
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Post by riogrande on Feb 29, 2024 11:27:53 GMT -8
Yeah, guilty as charged. I recalled there was a discussion including washers but didn't see a topic when I scanned through for a bit.  |
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Post by grahamline on Mar 4, 2024 8:36:05 GMT -8
If you are using the standard head version of the Kadee HO coupler, you should keep in mind the availability of the overset and underset head couplers to adjust the knuckle height on non-conforming cars. I don't particularly like to use them and they require well-surfaced trackwork and careful control of potential droop and separation problems. I don't particularly like adding washers to adjust the height, either. Even so, the different shank positions are a part available that can eliminate the need to completely rework a car end. "Scale" Kadee couplers are not offered in this sort of a variation.
One wonders why the designers and manufacturers have so much trouble achieving uniform mounting heights for basic fixtures like truck bolsters and coupler mounting pads. It's not as though they are introducing clever radical improvements of some kind. They are just getting it wrong on a regular basis.
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Post by riogrande on Mar 4, 2024 9:02:22 GMT -8
I'm using the "scale head" type which don't come in overset or underset versions. There are a ton of options out there but I'm trying to figure which would be similar but with a larger opening.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Mar 4, 2024 9:08:11 GMT -8
One wonders why the designers and manufacturers have so much trouble achieving uniform mounting heights for basic fixtures like truck bolsters and coupler mounting pads. It's not as though they are introducing clever radical improvements of some kind. They are just getting it wrong on a regular basis. The NMRA is the only source I know of for HO model railroad standards. There is no standard for the height of "truck bolsters". It is a recommended practice (RP-23)--5/16" for freight and 3/8" for passenger. Note also that there is no tolerance specified. This sheet was last significantly modified prior to 1961, if ever. In my opinion, it is not taken seriously by anyone. There is no standard (or recommended practice) for "coupler mounting pad" height. There IS a standard for coupler centerline height (S-2). It does include a tolerance, and we all tend to take it seriously, to varying degrees (in particular, when trains don't stay coupled). Ed |
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