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 Posted - March 16 2013 : 8:45:53 PM
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Hello, My name is Barry. I'm new to this forum. I have a few Mantua and Tyco-Mantua locomotives and I most recently got a brass Mantua caboose. I would like to convert the couplers to either horn hook or Kadee type (something so this caboose can actually be pulled). So . . . I'm hoping to find some ideas here. I do plan on working with this caboose; getting all the bent brass back straight. Thank you. Barry
  
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Posted - March 16 2013 : 10:15:43 PM
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Welcome...I found Kadee #5s fit just fine, they didn't even need a shim...
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Posted - March 17 2013 : 3:08:10 PM
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| Thanks Shaygetz. Do you have a photo of the bottom? Did you have to cut off the original mounting pin for the old style coupler? (What's the proper name for those old style couplers?). Lots of questions. Thanks again. Barry
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Posted - March 20 2013 : 01:46:31 AM
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Well I didn't want to cut any original pieces so I'm temporarily going to use a coupler that I sistered on a piece to for length. I purposely laid one on top of the other to get the thickness needed for the original coupler box. The paint came off and the dents have come out pretty well. 
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steve
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Posted - March 20 2013 : 4:40:03 PM
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| those pliers a little big for the project at hand?? just kidding!!
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Posted - March 20 2013 : 6:03:30 PM
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Sorry I haven't gotten back to you. It appears I used a longer shanked Kadee, a pair of #26s, that I placed on the stock pin and sprung with a #5 spring. The camera is not cooperating...
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Posted - March 20 2013 : 11:15:50 PM
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quote:(What's the proper name for those old style couplers?). Lots of questions. Thanks again.
Originally posted by Barry - March 17 2013 : 3:08:10 PM
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They were known as loop & hook couplers.
The original brass looks nice. Anyone know when these were produced?
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - March 21 2013 : 12:53:22 AM
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Thanks for the info on the kadee 26's and the hook and loop term. Yeah, I just got back into this a few months ago and I'm realizing I need a whole different set of tools. The brass don't look too bad. You can really see it wasn't much compared to some of the brass cabooses they make these days. Although, I like the history; thinking that it's like at least 50 years old. hoseeker dot net has them in some of the catalogs in their literature; maybe shaygetz knows? I didn't get the dents out as well as I would have liked to, but I did get to watch it be pulled around by my Tyco-Mantua Rogers 4-6-0. And I'm glad I took pictures of it before I messed with it. I think there is something to be said about just leaving antique pieces alone and not messing with them. Anyway, here's a couple of photos.    
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blaneo
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Posted - March 21 2013 : 09:27:53 AM
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I like it. I think you did a great job fixing and cleaning it up. A little tweaking here and there, and possibly some fresh paint to highlight the details and I think you would have an excellent looking caboose.
Blane is the name,
Trains are the game.
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Posted - March 21 2013 : 1:05:52 PM
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Great looking piece Barry!
Good job! 
Sean
"If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!" - Mario Andretti!
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steve
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Posted - March 21 2013 : 2:00:17 PM
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Hey Barry Harbor Frieght has some small tools. Not bad prices either. I got some there quality of them is ok.
Steven
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Posted - March 22 2013 : 10:15:18 AM
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That caboose is probably from the late forties to early fifties. I remember seeing one of those cabooses with early Kadees (before they were magnetic.) The owner used a Kadee #4. If I remember correctly there was a little pin in the Mantua coupler pocket and the #4 fit perfectly.
The problem with the number 4 is that they are tricky to install.
As for the caboose I would leave it and spray it with clear laquer rather than painting it - it really is a "rara avis" (rare bird.) You did a great job on restoring it to original condition.
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Posted - March 22 2013 : 10:30:06 AM
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I have that same Brass Caboose....Missing the roof and the frame, but the sides and ends are there, I plan to build it into a B&O "Rebuilt" caboose......which will have no cupola! Used for transfer work between yards as they had a few of them, that were like this, before actual "Transfer Cabooses" were made!
~John
Many have tried to, and failed, ya just can't repair stupid... 
Do NOT try to Idiot-Proof anything!!!! God, will simply create a better......IDIOT!
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