Switching couplers

[chrismoore93]

Hi everyone,
Just wondering how you switch one style of couplers to another style, without breaking them?
Thanks,
Chris Moore

 

[JeffShultz]

Usually you the coupler cover is secured with a screw or some type of clip fitting. They are normally not very difficult to remove at all.

Then just follow the directions on the package to install the new couplers.

I realize that these instructions are kinda generic - can you give us a bit more information to work with?

 

[chrismoore93]

Thanks Jeff,
I have looked at one of my locomotives and found a screw. Im sure from there I understand how to install a coupler.
Thanks Again,
Chris Moore

 

[CBCNSfan]

Hi Chris, what type of couplers are you installing on your loco, also what make and type of loco?
Cheers Willis

 

[chrismoore93]

Well Willis,
I'm talking about any maker and any type of locomotive. Also I'm talking about changing regular couplers(sorry forgot what there called) to EZ-Mate Couplers.
I'll look those regular ones up and let you know.

Chris Moore

 

[CBCNSfan]

I was wondering, because if they were Kadee couplers, Kadee has a lot of information with diagrams online at their website. They cover most of the popular manufacturers. I'm not familear with the easy mate couplers but perhaps you could equate their coupler types with the Kadee coupler types (I'm not sure on that). In any case it might be a help for you with some ideas. have a look here at this site. http://www.kadee.com/conv/ho.htm
This URL says there is directions on the package Do you have a pkg.?
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/bac/bac78035.htm

Internet Trains Has a listing of the different types of EZ mate perhaps you can compare them with the Kadee descriptions. Don't know but it may be a start for now
Cheers Willis

 

[chrismoore93]

Thanks Willis,
I have been on Internet Trains a number of times. Believe it or not EZ-Mate couplers almost look exactly like the Kadee brand couplers. If I ever go back to the local hobby shop maybe I'll consider getting some Kadee couplers. Is there a style or type you recommened?
Thanks,
Chris Moore

 

[CBCNSfan]

Is there a style or type you recommened?

Hi Chris, yikes! well for Locomotives I pretty well stay with the suggestions for the locomotives I have. The height and the length are the determining factors. For 18'R curves I have long shank couplers body mounted on the body's or frames for locomotives as suggested by Kadee. On some of my 630's I use a #26 which is kind of a long shank #5. For most freight cars I use #5 but I use a Kadee height gauge and a device of my own making for mounting to the cars.
If you like we cad pick out a conversion for you here online in this thread.
Just post the make and model of one of your locomotives and we'll go through the steps.
Cheers Willis

 

[chrismoore93]

Ok Willis,
How about a Bachmann F7. I know it's a Bachmann but i'm not so sure about the type. Looks like an F7 to me!
Thanks,
Chris Moore

 

[CBCNSfan]

Ok Willis,
How about a Bachmann F7. I know it's a Bachmann but i'm not so sure about the type. Looks like an F7 to me!
Thanks,
Chris Moore

Sorry Chris, don't know how this one slipped past me, but better late than never so here goes.
First log onto the Kadee Coupler Conversion Page http://www.kadee.com/conv/ho.htm

Scroll down to Bachmann and click on " BACHMANN " which will bring you to the Bachmann conversion page http://www.kadee.com/conv/ho.htm

If its an F9 scroll down to Diesel and click on " Bachmann (China) EMD F-9 (pdf)" that will take you to the instruction page
( http://www.kadee.com/conv/pdf/b7.pdf ) This page has a diagram and the instructions for installling a #37 coupler on this loco.

Or If it's an F7 then


Then scroll down to BACHMANN PLUS then to Diesel then select Bachmann Plus EMD F7 A&B (pdf)
http://www.kadee.com/conv/pdf/b26.pdf

Which takes you to the page on the #452 Bachmann conversion kit. As stated the kit contains two #35 Kadee couplers the brackets that are required and the instructions with illustrations on how to assemble and mount them.

Try that out and let us know how you make out
Cheers Willis