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Installing Knuckle Couplers |
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byBill MostellerDecember 2001 |
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| At the December meeting of the PWMRC, our guest was Bill
Mosteller who shared his vast knowledge of HO scale knuckle
couplers. Bill's presentation was entirely his own opinion, based
on his experience. A large number of the club members enjoyed his presentation
and there are many trains running better today with properly installed
couplers.
Bill, thanks for sharing your experience with PWMRC. |
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| Bill's presentation covered virtually everything about knuckle couplers in great detail. We do not have the space to get everything in this page, but we'll provide a summary of the evening. | ||||||
Why Change Couplers? |
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| Reliable, automatic uncoupling.
Delayed uncoupling. Reduce derailments. Better coupler appearance. |
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Click on any image to enlarge. |
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Here's a loco about to couple up with a boxcar. Notice the properly-lined-up couplers that are about to engage. | |||||
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The loco has uncoupled from the boxcar above the uncoupling magnet. Notice the trip pins are widely spaced due to the magnet below. | |||||
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After uncoupling, the loco has moved in closer to push the boxcar to the left. Notice the couplers are touching, but not engaged. | |||||
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Throughout his presentation, Bill pointed out that proper care in the installation will make for reliable operation for many years. Based on his experience, Bill is a big proponent of Kadee couplers. Again, this is Bill's personal opinion. Bill offered several tips and hints to make the installation go smoothly, as well as explaining why thing work they way they do. For example, when using the Kadee # 5 (and all Kadee couplers), the spring must be installed with the flat face up. In doing so, the spring action will match up with the other coupler. If the spring is installed wrong, it will actually work against proper coupling. A big hint is be sure to burnish the coupler and use plenty of graphite for lubrication. Bill has saved many poorly-installed couplers with the application of some graphite. Bill points out that your installation will be more successful if you choose the right coupler for the application. With over 30 different couplers from Kadee alone, there's is sure to be one that will fit your unusual rolling stock and locos. |
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Here's a bottom view of a good installation of an extended shank coupler. The body overhang requires this type of installation. | |||||
Which coupler should I use? |
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| When you are deciding which coupler to use, Bill's advice is to try a Kadee # 5 first...it will usually fit. Getting the coupler at the proper height is very important and is the main reason for so many different coupler style. For Athern boxcar, he recommends a Kadee # 27 (medium, underset). | ||||||
Adjustments |
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Using a couple adjusting tool, Bill demonstrates raising the trip pin. On Kadee couplers, the pin is metal and requires a firm grip. | |||||
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Bill uses duckbill pliers to lower the pins. Again, firm pressure is required. | |||||
Uncoupling Magnets |
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| Now that we've installed knuckle couplers (properly) on several pieces of rolling stock, we need to consider the uncoupling process. Bill recommends using the Kadee jig for installing the uncoupling magnets. He also recommends you wait the full amount of time for the glue to dry. This gets the magnet in the proper position and helps to insure it stays there. | ||||||
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The Kadee jig for proper installation of uncoupling magnets. | |||||
Tips, tricks, hints and...(secrets) |
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| During his many ears of experience, Bill has learned many tips, tricks and secrets to the care and feeding of knuckle couplers. He's also learned which tools and glues work best. Perhaps in the category of 'little known secrets' is a special go-no-go gauge for checking your installation. The pictured gauge is available from Grandad's Hobby Shop in Springfield, Virginia (703) 426-0700. Mention Bill's name. |  |
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| Bill Mosteller is from Falls Church, Virginia and has been involved with model railroading for many years. In addition to being an expert with Kadee couplers, Bill also dips his fingers into decals. He can be reached at wsm@greatdecals.com |  |
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| All photos by Jim Connal | ||||||
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