two problems

thetramp Apr 4, 2013

  1. thetramp

    thetramp TrainBoard Member

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    I have a boxcar that has couplers that are higher than the other cars. The coupler catches about 2/3 the way up the other couplers. Both couplers are body mounted. How do I lower the coupler on that car? The other problem is that one of the cars shakes as it goes down the track. It is weighted down pretty good - bought it that way. What could be the problem with that car?
     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    If the ride height of the carbody on its trucks is good, the check out the Kadee web site. They have couplers which are higher or lower on their drawbars, for these types of instances.
     
  3. 2slim

    2slim TrainBoard Member

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    It will make a difference if the coupler boxes are attached with a screw or glued to the car. If attached by screw, shims can be inserted between the box and car frame until proper alignment is obtained. If the boxes are glued to the car you'll have to investigate offset shank couplers. both KD and McHenry offer offset shank couplers and KD has shims.
    http://kadee.com/htmbord/coupler.htm
    http://kadee.com/htmbord/page211.htm
    http://kadee.com/htmbord/height.htm

    The wobbling car may have a loose truck screw, in order to track properly a small amount of side to side wobble is desired so the trucks can ride over track joints and bumps.

    2slim
     
  4. JNXT 7707

    JNXT 7707 TrainBoard Member

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    With the wobble issue, sometimes there is a sweet spot on the truck screw - not too tight that the truck won't swivel freely, and not too loose that it...."wobbles".
     
  5. thetramp

    thetramp TrainBoard Member

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    I looked at the car when I got home and it has push on trucks. The car has no name on, just a sticker that says made in china. I tried putting metal wheels on it but the wheel axle fit two tight in the holes. The wheel would barely turn. I tried opening the axle hole up a little bit but that did not help. It is a yellow Railbox boxcar. The couplers are attached to the frame. The car with the coupler height problem - - I moved it to a different position on the string and the coupler height is ok now. Go figure
     
  6. JNXT 7707

    JNXT 7707 TrainBoard Member

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    Glad to hear you are back in operation.
    Best thing I can do for your future operations is to get a Kadee coupler height gauge.

    For converting those old HO rolling stock 'push on' trucks to handle the metal wheels, go to Micro Mark and order "the tool". http://www.micromark.com/ho-truck-tuner,8241.html It doesn't cost much, it's just a reamer for trucks and it will be some of the best money you ever spent. You put it in the truck, in place of the wheelset, and roll it. Some of the older trucks require more reaming than others.

    As for your couplers being at differing heights, the best long-term solution will be as described earlier - installing Kadee couplers and shimming or using 'underset' couplers to adjust the height. Seems complicated at first, but it's easy.
     
  7. thetramp

    thetramp TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, I will look in ordering the truck turner and the coupler height gauge. I appreciate the info.
     
  8. glakedylan

    glakedylan TrainBoard Member

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    would it not be better to replace trucks...if need be, fill in holes, drill, tap, screw new trucks...at least that is what I would do. respectfully, Gary L Lake Dillensnyder
     
  9. JNXT 7707

    JNXT 7707 TrainBoard Member

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    Yes that is the best solution overall, I agree. But replacement trucks tend to be expensive, especially if you have a lot of old cars to convert. I started out thinking that was the only way to do it, then figured out that most of the old trucks are still useable in most cases, only requiring some reaming to accept current metal wheelsets. I save $$ where I can.

    The worst drawback in retaining the old trucks I have found is that it doesn't give you the option of using a thin washer to shim between the truck and bolster to fine tune the car height.
     

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