34theletterbetweenB&D Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Prompted by another thread, I have as one of my long term 'to do's the mounting of a Knuckle coupler - ideally a Kadee pattern - in the right place. Now I do already have this on a class 66, done to match the HTA hoppers which Bachmann supply with their knuckle coupler in the right location. To say that this looks better than any other RTR coupler, (and any kit coupler other than scale screw or three links come to that) on 4mm stock is no understatement. But of course the trip pins are a country mile overheight: though it doesn't matter in this application as loco and train run as a fixed set. But for my main application for Knucjkle couplers which is gangwayed coach sets I want the full Kadee repertoire of magnetically operable uncoupling. It is pretty obvious what is required, replacing the trip pin with a longer unit. Anyone out there done this? Any thoughts on what is the best Kadee piece to start from? Primary thought is old no 5 with a piece of florists wire to make the new trip pin, but there might just be an easier model to work on - possibly even closer to scale - as an alternative, and I have never really explored the range being very much a tread the proven path for reliability type. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Wintle Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 There are the 'scale head' Kadees (158/156) that have a slightly smaller head. In the regular head, you might also want to consider one of the longer shank and/or overset head variants (21/31 etc) to aid in mounting. Another option is using one of the NEM variants (17-20) as they have a head that is free to rotate which means that the mount doesn't necessarily have to. They also have the head mounted above the NEM portion which may allow you to attach them without hacking up the buffer beam. You might find it easier changing the trip pins in the plastic-head versions. All the options: http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/coupler.htm Adrian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davknigh Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 You might find this article interesting http://www.clag.org.uk/kaydees-mk1.html Cheers, David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lyneux Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 You might find this article interesting http://www.clag.org....aydees-mk1.html Sorry, but in what way is this relevant to fitting operating kadees at scale height as requested by the OP? The Kadees in the CLAG article have not had their trip pins replaced and therefore probably will not function accurately as the pins are now too high above the magnets. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
frobisher Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Sorry, but in what way is this relevant to fitting operating kadees at scale height as requested by the OP? It did make the point about needing to retract/shorten the buffers which is pretty relevant. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davknigh Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Sorry, but in what way is this relevant to fitting operating kadees at scale height as requested by the OP? The Kadees in the CLAG article have not had their trip pins replaced and therefore probably will not function accurately as the pins are now too high above the magnets. The coupler emerges from the bufferbeam at the correct scale height, true, the trip pin wants replacing but the rest seems quite useful. Cheers, David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talltim Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Do we use a smaller version of the knuckle coupling in the UK? if not then the no5 is probably more scale than the 'scale' types, which are to scale for 3.5mm/foot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted November 2, 2012 Author Share Posted November 2, 2012 Think that is correct, there is no spot on 4mm scaled version. The standard head is a tad oversize, the true scale 3.5mm/ft version undersize. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Replacing the trip pins is fiddly - I haven't fitted longer ones, just repaired a Kadee. It also involves the operation of safely removing, storing and then refitting the wretched spring (Do this in a box to avoid losing it.) IMHO, it would be easier to extend the existing trip pin with an additional piece of wire. I intend to fit some sort of knuckle coupling to my Mk I coaches at headstock height, but it's one of those jobs for the future.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grovenor Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 I have my Kadees set at 13mm to the centre which allows for the overset pattern to have the shank in the coupling slot, I have done this on my class 20/24/25 diesels and on coaches. I have not found it necessary to alter the trip pin, the KD electromagnets work them Ok as they are. I haven't got a clear pic of this but you do get a glimpse here. Regards Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted November 3, 2012 Author Share Posted November 3, 2012 Thanks for that. Well, it has turned out simpler than expected. A little experimentation today with the no5 type rigged at bufferbeam height, so that the coupler head is neatly placed in the cut out of the gangway faceplate, and all it needs is some reshaping of the trip pin to make it hang that little bit lower. Couldn't be easier really, so there's one project for the dark winter evenings. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSB Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 I think that the S gauge coupler is basically a No.5 with a longer trip pin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penrhos1920 Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Thanks for that. Well, it has turned out simpler than expected. A little experimentation today with the no5 type rigged at bufferbeam height, so that the coupler head is neatly placed in the cut out of the gangway faceplate, and all it needs is some reshaping of the trip pin to make it hang that little bit lower. Couldn't be easier really, so there's one project for the dark winter evenings. And we're all waiting for the photos and a report of how well it goes around curves. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted November 3, 2012 Author Share Posted November 3, 2012 I think that the S gauge coupler is basically a No.5 with a longer trip pin. Ah, the knowledge bank kicks in once more; thanks for that, I'll take a look. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grovenor Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 And we're all waiting for the photos and a report of how well it goes around curves. Should be something like this. http://youtu.be/-tfQ1HXfd0c This is the height I set mine. Put it right up tight under the gangway footplate there is not enough sideplay. Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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