Model Power fake coupler

[Bellwald]

Hello there,
I just ordered a little Model Power steam switcher for my Inglenook layout. Unfortunately, the frond end coupler is a fake. How can I replace it with a Kadee #5 ? Thanks for your help.

 

[Old 97]

Saddletank steamers are the best.
Remove the fake coupler by snipping, cutting and filing.
Glue or J.B. Weld new coupler and box in its place.
Shim for height before attaching new coupler permanently.
"Shims" go in between top of coupler box and lower bumper surface.
Item number 6 should be easy to work on when disassembled.

https://hoseeker.net/modelpower/modelpower040pg1.jpg

 

[D&J RailRoad]

As Old 97 said, it's just a matter of clipping and glueing. Not anywhere near kitchen cooking science.

 

[Old 97]

Blacked out area is everything removed.
Yellow is what should be available for new coupler and box installation.

 

[Old 97]

Kaydee #24 20-Series Plastic Couplers with Gearboxes Short (2pr) Free Shipping | eBay

#24 HO Scale 20-Series Plastic Couplers with Gearboxes - Short (1/4") Under-set Shank. (2) Pair #213 Gearboxes. (2) Pair #232 Gearboxes. (2) Pair #24 Plastic Shank Couplers - Short Underset Shank. HO 20-Series Plastic Coupler.

www.ebay.com

 

[KriegslokBR52]

I would do something different than #5 Kadee. See that imitation of draft box that's sticking out past the pilot beam? That is supposed to be there and most steam locomotives had extra long draft box like this. This was to clear the cow catcher, or in your case the foot steps. I would save that draft box and make a rectangular opening in it. You will need a "long shank" Kadee coupler for that and it will be more prototypical look wise.

This saddle tank is about the same size model wise, the wooden pilot beam has rotted away as you can see, but the extra long draft box is clearly visible.

 

[Old 97]

HO Coupler Reference Charts

Couplers, Trucks, Wheels and Freight Cars - Made In USA

www.kadee.com

 

[Old 97]

Kadee #149 HO Scale 140-Series Whisker Metal Couplers with Gearboxes - Long (25/64") Overset Shank​

 

[KriegslokBR52]

Kadee #149 HO Scale 140-Series Whisker Metal Couplers with Gearboxes - Long (25/64") Overset Shank​

View attachment 182512

That's exactly what I had in mind, just didn't know the coupler numbers.

 

[Old 97]

That's exactly what I had in mind, just didn't know the coupler numbers.

That makes two of us. I looked it up.

 

[Colbert]

Very useful thread. But...I want the same little switcher for my small L-shaped layout. And I want it now !

 

[Colbert]

I ordered this funny toy-like Model Power steam locomotive. I think I can change the fake front coupler the same way.

 

[Old 97]

I ordered this funny toy-like Model Power steam locomotive. I think I can change the fake front coupler the same way.

View attachment 182560

 

[Colbert]

Thanks. Very helpful.

 

[Iron Horseman]

I just ordered a little Model Power steam switcher for my Inglenook layout. Unfortunately, the frond end coupler is a fake. How can I replace it with a Kadee #5 ?

View attachment 182300

My first thought was a long box Kadee #178. It can stick out further than the normal mounting method because of the mount hole at the very back.

https://www.kadee.com/178-ho-scale-...rs-scale-gearboxes-medium-932-centerset-shank

 

[Old 97]

BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!