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 Posted - October 25 2017 : 8:42:04 PM
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Would anyone know if the Tyco streamline caboose underframe sits too high? I don't want to file down the truck bolsters if it actually is the correct height, but after test-fitting a Kadee #5 at one end it seems to sit about half a knuckle too high compared to every other Tyco car I've done, which are usually at the correct height without needing any adjustment.
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Posted - October 26 2017 : 10:49:48 AM
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Use the Kadee Coupler Height Gauge to determine if the body of the car sits too high or too low. Run the car up to the back of the gauge, if it just slips under the car body, it is at the correct height, anything else it is either too high or too low. Read up on the directions for using the height gauge, it is for more than just checking coupler height.
If it is too high you can add shims between the coupler box and the body or if it is too low you can add Kadee washers to the truck mounting posts.
Edited by - Retired Alex on October 26 2017 10:52:13 AM
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Posted - October 26 2017 : 10:59:59 AM
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If it's too high or too low, just shim the draft gear box. Leftover bits of styrene work well. If it's a rather large gap, I've heard that breadbag clips work well too.
Personally, I use Kadee draft gearbox shims. Just add as many as you need (more than 5 or 6 and you'd probaby be better off with a styrene shim), and then attach the draft gear box with a screw or bolt. You can always add some CA to hold everythi NH in place.
My Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/weekendrailroader?blend=1&ob=video-mustangbase
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Posted - October 26 2017 : 4:19:05 PM
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I don't mind lowering the car if it is too high, I have done that with a lot of older Bachmann models (boxcars etc.) which are notorious for sitting higher than their Tyco/Life-Like counterparts.
I was mainly wondering if the car itself was sitting too high on its trucks (e.g. by design) or whether it was normal for a caboose to ride a bit higher than freight cars. I know with the older Bachmann models they used to sit higher than they should, it was only when they started putting E-Z Mate couplers on their cars that they were lowered to the correct height. Without using shims the coupler is about 1-2mm higher than normal. Funny someone mentioned it, I actually do have a supply of bread tags in my parts box specifically for use as shims!
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Posted - October 26 2017 : 5:16:44 PM
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Real caboose cars don't normally sit higher than other freight cars. But many (most?) of the older "train set" caboose cars seem to...
Edited by - Localoid on October 26 2017 6:37:52 PM
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