quick question and hello from a newbe

[Dennis_NS]

Found this place and did some reading. Looks like a great place. So I would like to say hello. My question is easy I think but I can't find the answer. I'm looking at replacing the rapido trucks and couplers on a bunch of freight cars. Some of these Bachmann cars have screws that hold the trucks on and some have pins. I'm looking at the Bachmann #42534 truck and coupler. They appear to have a screw and pin that comes with them. Do they fit both? I know the holes in the trucks are two different sizes. Do I need to drill out the hole some for the one's with the screw or is there and insert for the ones with a pin? I just can't seem to find the answer. Thanks for all you help.

[Ken G Price]

On my N-scale, I have drilled out the hole in the trucks if it was needed. I still use the screw.
In fact I like brands that use screws. I have even replace the pins with screws on some cars.
Just do not over tighten, as the truck MUST be able to wobble a little side to side while going around curves. If not the car can derail.

[Dennis_NS]

I wouldn't mind drilling if that's what's needed. But the holes in the trucks look bigger than the pins. A lot of my cars have pins.

[Ken G Price]

On all of my Bachmann cars, the truck slides over the car bolster, and the screw then holds the truck in place.
So if needed, I drill the hole just big enough to do this. I use the drill bit that is the closest and then open the truck hole with a small round file, just enough to fit and with just enough side to side play.

If the hole is to big then the rim of the screw will not hold the truck in place.

So I would just take the time needed to see what works. There are many things like this in this hobby, so learning is an on going experience.

[Dennis_NS]

Most of my cars are 40' or less. Would you use short shank or medium shank couplers?

[Ken G Price]

Depends mostly on the curves the cars go through.
The smallest curves on the main are 11" and there are a few short pieces of 9.5 at yards and industrial sites. I use short based engines for those.

I always use a medium length just to be sure.