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 Posted - October 23 2006 : 8:01:57 PM
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I just received a Santa Fe 430 I bought for my son, but it is missing the front and rear couplers. There is a metal tab with a hole in the center. Does any body make replacement couplers? If not, what could I use. The engine runs great. My son is trying to tie a string to connect it to the cars so he can use it. Thanks.
We have nothing to fear, but fear itself!" - FDR
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Posted - October 23 2006 : 9:30:13 PM
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Your Alco sounds like an excellent old mu-2 powered model. They are very good performers and well worth operating as your freight prime mover! The "metal tab with the hole in the center" is supposed to have a small box-like metal coupler pocket with a tiny brass rivet that corresponds to and affixes with the hole in the tab you noted. One of the old standard NMRA horn/hook couplers then pivots on that brass rivet, confined by the coupler pocket and affixed to the hole in the tab. The best solution will be to obtain a salvage specimen and remove those coupler pockets (they pop off with a small screwdriver and there is another forum topic explaining how), placing them on your 430. Another option is to buy another 430 (perhaps in another livery choice for some variety) and remove the seldom-used front coupler pocket, affixing it to the rear of you original 430. That way you can operate two 430s!
good luck with your repair and remember that most who read these forums are eager to help in any way we can.
Magnolia Academy
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Posted - October 23 2006 : 10:36:44 PM
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Thanks MagnoliaAcademy I will look for a salvaged unit. It doesn't hurt to have spare parts. This engine after cleaning and lubing runs like a rocket sled on rails. Now to get the couplers to see how it pulls.
We have nothing to fear, but fear itself!" - FDR
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Posted - October 23 2006 : 11:38:11 PM
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MagAc speaks the truth - the screwdriver method works wonders. And the MU-2 motors are VASTLY superior to the powertorques, too.
If you are familiar with Kadees, I apologize for having not tried this myself but perhaps it would be possible to glue a built draft-gear box to the tab, and run kncukle couplers? If you are planning to stay "original" and use horn hooks than forget that suggestion. Wasn't sure what your experience level is and thought I'd throw that out there.
I might be forced to try it myself in a couple days and will let you know how it works out.
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Posted - October 23 2006 : 11:59:40 PM
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I'm familiar with the modern HO. I had a 8X12 set up with code 83 track. Running BLI and Bachmann engines. All were equipped with Kadee #5 and #58 couplers. I had more problems with those then the old fashion hook couplers. I took this set down and built the 4X8 Tyco layout my son wanted. With all the whimsical out of scale and color buildings and accessories. I have more fun now. It's also cheaper. My son can play with it all he wants and I really don't worry. I would like to keep the Tyco as original as possible. I took down my Lionel O gauge a few years back to start HO. Who thought I would be back to where I started. And loving every minute.
We have nothing to fear, but fear itself!" - FDR
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Posted - October 24 2006 : 12:00:21 AM
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Regarding adapting Kadees:
Circlez solution will most certainly work. I have employed it with superdetailed GP20 conversions retaining the Talgo truck (for limited track radii) and it has worked admirably well.
I supposed that, in the spirit of running the 430 with other vintage NMRA-equipped Tyco per the original posting, obtaining Mantua/Tyco pockets and NMRA couplers would be a more sympathetic solution.
MagnoliaAcademy
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Posted - October 24 2006 : 10:09:01 PM
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Well I started playing around with different ideas and came up with using a Walthers horn-hook coupler mounted in a #5 kadee draft box. Tapped the hole on the tab of the truck with a 2-56 tap. All put together with a brass 2-56 screw. Cutting the bottom of the screw flush and filling the top halfway. I also cut off the two little side hoops on the box. It works great. I don't know if this has been mentioned here before. So I thought it might help some one.
We have nothing to fear, but fear itself!" - FDR
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Posted - October 25 2006 : 2:54:46 PM
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Your solution is commendably elegant. Many of the long-time collectors have scrap piles of original materials to draw upon therefore aren't compelled to think thru and resolve such dilemnas as you posed. I can assure you, when my scrap pile runs out I will try your method. I like it!
thanks,
Magnolia Academy
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