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 Posted - January 11 2015 : 4:23:44 PM
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Lately I found it kind of ridiculous how I've still been keeping a horn-hook coupler on the rear end of my Amtrak Dash 8 locomotive, so I decided to replace it with an E-Z Mate knuckle coupler. I also put a knuckle coupler on one end of my Amtrak combine streamlined car (old version with the blue stripe.) I used an E-Z Mate knuckle coupler and a Kadee talgo truck adapter. For a while it worked. But now lately the car just won't stay connected to the locomotive! It's always disconnecting, even after I just re-coupled them.
I'm thinking it could be because the locomotive uses a body-mount coupler while the passenger cars come with truck-mounted coupler. I tried it out with my Amfleet coach/snack car from Bachmann (newer model) and it stayed connected, even on curves.
So now I am considering installing a body-mount coupler on the TYCO Amtrak car. Either that, or just switch to the Bachmann Amfleet cars altogether.
Any thoughts?
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Posted - January 11 2015 : 5:03:13 PM
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Two cheap and quick things to check:
1) Are the couplers the same height (both with and without tension)?
2) Do both still have their knuckle springs?
Carpe Manana!
Edited by - scsshaggy on January 11 2015 5:04:31 PM
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Posted - January 11 2015 : 5:09:16 PM
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The same height?
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - January 11 2015 : 6:19:07 PM
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It's likely the height can be inconsistent, like when they go over rerailers. Other times the height is the same.
Yes, the couplers do have their springs.
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Posted - January 11 2015 : 6:19:15 PM
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As mentioned, coupler height is crucial with knuckle couplers of any variety - makes no difference if they are truck-mounted or body-mounted. And as sschaggy mentioned, tension on them can change the height too. Small variations in trackwork can make the effect worse.
Some of the best $$ I ever spent was on a Kadee coupler height gauge.
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - January 11 2015 : 7:21:17 PM
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Some of Bachmanns passenger car couplers are a poor design. My friend designed a body mounted wire that prevented the swing couplers from drouping and comming uncoupled. It was u shaped and positioned so the bottom shank rode on the wire as they moved from side to side. This worked well.
Sorry I have no pictures. Other wise these car are great models. Maybe this approach would help.
Regards, John
Edited by - JRG1951 on January 11 2015 7:27:37 PM
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Posted - January 13 2015 : 3:12:47 PM
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| I had the same issue with some older Amphleet cars and was able to correct the problem simply by bending the plastic, swinging coupler arm up a bit.
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Posted - January 13 2015 : 3:14:38 PM
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quote:I had the same issue with some older Amphleet cars and was able to correct the problem simply by bending the plastic, swinging coupler arm up a bit. Another option is the swing hanger designed for Kadees that are used on Athearn auto racks. They come in a kit with everything you need and will still allow the couplers to swing.
Originally posted by metalsmith1Â -Â January 13 2015Â :Â 3:12:47 PM
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