Smart Idea?

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

Ok before I go doing this I want to make sure it will work. I want to close couple my Bachmann Coaches(Spectrum heavies), Is it smart to body mount them? or is there a Coupler(I can't figure out the make on the Walthers car, I only have one and intend to only have one unless they make an RPO) like the one on Walthers i can just drop in(meaning just putting the coupler in and nothing else) Minimum radius i'm gonna try to have is 28 inch. maybe 26 here and there. Looks like going the coupler route would work but I have no idea whos they are. (i'll contiue to use Bachmann EZmates on Freight equipment)

[ray46]

I'm far from a expert on this, but I think you might have problems with close coupling these long cars on a 28" curve.

[SteamGene]

I agree.  Even on 30" curves the Walthers cars are hanging over the curve.
Gene

[Atlantic Central]

BaltoOhioRRfan,

Rather than just closer coupling, you can remove the factory coupler boxes and diaphragms, then replace the diaphragms with the ones from American Limited.

But, instead of following the American Limited instructions for Bachmann cars you should not use the end door supplied with the diaphragms. Just file down the rivets on the end of car where the diaphragm will mount.

For the couplers, drill a new hole in the floor and use the Kadee #36 long shank coupler. Drill the coupler hole 3 HO scale feet back from the surface where the diaphragm mounts. This will give you a car spacing of .36" or about 31 scale inches.

This is the spacing that American Limited recommends. The diaphragms will touch and stay touching all the time. They will work well at the radius you mentioned, even on full length cars.

This spacing is more than the prototype (which is between 18" to 22" at the doors) but the fully working diaphragms make it look smaller. Much better than having a gap there.

I consider this a major short comming of these new expensive passenger cars on the market, $40, $50 a car and gaps between the diaphragms, they all could have done better.

BUT, to make this work you must modify all your passenger cars to these standards.

Sheldon

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

Don't think you guys really understood me(except Maybe Atlantic Central) I ONLY HAVE 1 Walthers car, it is a 70' Baggage Car. Rest of my stuff is Bachmann Heavyweights. I just want to get them a little bit closer. I don't really want to do a lot of work on this project so I'd prefer just swaping out for a smaller shank coupler then the EZ Mates.

[Dr EMD]

Hop on down to MB Klein and by a pair of short shank coupler. They cost less than a Mickey D Value Meal. Put them on the Walthers car and see if this is what you are looking for.

If that doesn't work, then you have a set of spare couplers for another project.

The one who has been in the hobby the longest has the most spare parts.

[Guilford Guy]

Hop on down to MB Klein and by a pair of short shank coupler.

That won't be hard seeing as he works there

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

Hmm, Looking at the business card on my desk it says M.B. Klein. wait a minute, I work there. :-P just messing with ya. I thought about that  but I don't want to go Kadee as it requires that metal piece.

[Atlantic Central]

BaltoOhioRRfan,

Installing shorter shank couplers without addressing the diaphragms will cause problems at your radius. The Walthers ones are too stiff, they will push the car off the track if they touch on a curve.

The Bachmann diaphragms are hard rubber with no give, they will bind up even faster. So I would say do it right or leave it alone.

Sheldon