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 Posted - June 03 2009 : 7:56:18 PM
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Hi, this time I am looking for advice on how to solve a problem. The problem is that I installed Kadee #5 couplers on my locomotive and some cars, and when I took them for a test run they all derailed on my turnouts.  Well, it wasn't that bad, I guess. They ran ok for a little bit but then they started derailing. The shank (I think thats the right word for the piece of wire that curves down) is catching on the rails on the turnout. I tried clipping the shank, but ended up clipping it too much, so that now whenever it goes over the magnet it doesn't move Good thing I tested it first before clipping them all . I'm pretty sure the coupler is at the right height, becuase it is at the exact same height as the factory couplers. Has anybody else had this problem? Does anyone have a solution? Thanks,
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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 Posted - June 03 2009 : 8:48:25 PM
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DT,
There is a special tool like pliers that will curve the shank upward so it clears switches and magnets. there is also an height and alignment block that KD sells. You might look at their site the have instruction sheets that you can download.
I have used regular needle nose pliers putting one jaw in the shank and one on the coupler knuckle and apply pressure squeeze to bend the shank up slightly. Good modelers might frown on this but it works. You may mess up a coupler in the process which I have but mostly a successful procedure.
AHM I think is making a KD style coupler that fits Tyco coupler boxes and would work with your KDs and magnets. Tyco has a small hole coupler that fits over the shank in the coupler box.
Get to know your local hobby shop, LHS, dude, he/ she may save you some hassle.
Good luck,
Alco Fan
Alco Fan
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 9:47:27 PM
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| those pliers are called " Trip pin pliers". I have a pair. They work great. You can use needle nose or regular pliers to bend trip pin upward also.
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 10:02:18 PM
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Thanks for the help. I guess there is no way to know how far to bend it? I will just play around with it until I get the correct height. Thanks,
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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Posted - June 03 2009 : 11:47:29 PM
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This is what the trip pin pliers look like.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/NickelPlate759/80600_R.jpg
http://www.micromark.com/TRIP-PIN-BENDING-PLIER-HO-AND-O-SCALE,7521.html
I just use regular long nose pliers, but you have to be careful not to mar the pins.
The Tyco Depot
Edited by - NickelPlate759 on June 03 2009 11:49:38 PM
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Posted - June 04 2009 : 10:16:39 AM
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I think I will stick with the needle nose pliers and save my 12 dollars for something else
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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Posted - June 04 2009 : 2:30:46 PM
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You can also go to a local craft store and ask for a 3 step coil plier for about half the price...they work the same way and cost less than a bunch of over clipped or damaged Kadees...
The Kadees in the picture were over bent nearly straight by a well meaning modeler that I got in a box lot. The pliers paid for themselves with the first two pairs.
Edited by - shaygetz on June 04 2009 2:32:15 PM
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Posted - June 05 2009 : 4:02:14 PM
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Thanks for the head's-up on the pliers, Shaygetz. I would never have known to look there. I guess now we know where Kadee gets theirs.
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - June 05 2009 : 8:49:32 PM
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| Hobby Lobby and Michaels craft stores carry the above pliers mentioned above by ShayGetz. If you do not have either of these 2 stores in your area-a local craft store should have them
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Posted - June 05 2009 : 9:22:59 PM
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I have a Michaels nearby.
I'll bet these are jeweler's pliers. Working for a Swiss watch company made me realize how many of the tools Micro-Mark sells are really from the jewelery or watch industries.
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - June 12 2009 : 07:30:20 AM
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| Michaels usually gives you a coupon in a flyer in the Sunday paper good for 40% off one item, then will give you another one on your reciept -
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Posted - June 12 2009 : 08:01:41 AM
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You can almost always print off a coupon from the internet for 40% off hobby lobby or michaels. My local stores accept them, it might be a different story at different locations.
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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Posted - June 16 2009 : 11:53:01 PM
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Thanks for the tip Shayz, I picked up a pair of the pliers at Michaels this weekend. They were a clearance item, with my wife's 50% off coupon the cost $2.50. A bargain compared to the Kadee plier.
Tom
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