Adding Kadee to front of 4-6-0 Annie

[tedyarbrough]

Friends,
Thinking of trying to add a Kadee 781 or 1781 to front of Annie Bumble Bee and RGS locomotives. Anyone done this? Difficult? Using Bachmann Spectrum cars and Accucraft cars, so which coupler would be best? Thanks for any info.
Happy Rails To You,
Ted

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Hi Ted,

While I have not done it using kadee's I have  done with Bachmann couplers.  Here is a link to how I did it:

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,23753.msg188258.html#msg188258 

Here is a video of my test of the front coupler in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaKoGZwCPpc

No one ever responded to my request for other methods, I have done all 4 of my Annie's using this method, and I don't see why it would not work just fine using Kd's.  The only issue I see is you might have to remove the gladhand to get clearance which would then not allow you to use the KD method of uncoupling, but it should work fine otherwise.

When you are finished, let us know how it went and what you used for the project.

All the best!
Bill

[tedyarbrough]

Thanks Bill, I knew you would have an answer! After searching a little farther, looks like the Kadee will fit with a little work:
https://www.kadee.com/documents/bachmann-460-big-hauler.pdf
I will post back when I have tried something.
Happy Rails To You,
Ted

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Ted,

Thanks for the Kadee link!  Have fun with the project.

Bill

[tedyarbrough]

Friends,
I must report that the Kadee coupler works on front of the Annie. Follow directions provided with the coupler. I used a razor saw, screw driver, small pliers, and a couple different files. You must use large radius curves (I have 8 ft. and 9 ft. diameter).
Happy Rails (And Holidays) To You,
Ted