I just finished installing a scale coupler and fix pilot on my Atlas O Erie Built. Yesterday I put on the included pilot as it came with the cover over the coupler hole, but I realized it stuck out way too far, and we run them in freight service so it shouldn't be on there anyway. Today my dad ran up to the hobby store and got a pack of Kadees to put on it. I removed the screw that holds the cover onto the pilot. I then built up the mounting pad with three sheets of styrene, not sure how thick they were, you can play around with it to get the right thickness. Lastly, I screwed on the assembled coupler box with the styrene shim between the coupler box and the mounting pad. It was then ready to roll!
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Nice job, looks good!
Looks much better. Go a step further by cutting the trip pin off and add a nice air hose with glad hand to the pilot.
Laidoffsick posted:Looks much better. Go a step further by cutting the trip pin off and add a nice air hose with glad hand to the pilot.
That's the plan! Where is the best place could I order one? I was just going to look at the exploded parts diagram of my new ES44s and order one from Lionel, but I am sure there are better ones out there.
I usually grab one from my parts bin. When I convert cars to Kadees I save all those air hoses. I like the MTH air hoses because they are much thinner and have a nicer glad hand than the Atlas part. I also use PSC air hoses and glad hands with real rubber hose... but usually its the MTH air hose.
Laidoffsick posted:I usually grab one from my parts bin. When I convert cars to Kadees I save all those air hoses. I like the MTH air hoses because they are much thinner and have a nicer glad hand than the Atlas part. I also use PSC air hoses and glad hands with real rubber hose... but usually its the MTH air hose.
Thanks for the information. You have a part number for the MTH ones?
Excellent!
Awesome!
Since my Erie-built was a cob job, I had to fab the Kadee shim for the rear of my unit, but luckily the donor had sent me the 2-rail pilot with the coupler cover door.
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No I dont have an MTH part #. Whatever air hose they put on all the trucks for their 3 rail cars. It just pops off the truck, and then I cut the mount off.
Good job! I like those engines. I had them in NYC but sold them off a few years ago. Wouldn't mind finding the PRR ones someday.
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Uh oh, looks like they did use the covers in freight service! Oh well, I still like the look of the knuckle better. I'll think about it...
I think the exposed coupler looks way better! That cover is too bulky looking, real or model..
I'm looking for a coupler cover, if you'd like to shed yours! ��
Norm Charbonneau posted:I think the exposed coupler looks way better! That cover is too bulky looking, real or model..
I agree, the thing would've stuck out two feet if it were real...
Most of the first generation PRR road diesels were initially fitted with coupler covers to minimize issues when colliding with vehicles. Around the 1954/5 time frame they began to be removed as the units were shopped. I agree that the coupler covers on the FM diesels are particularly clunky looking. That's a good looking railroad Steven Michael, you are very fortunate to have a true SPF for a Dad and mentor.
Ed Rappe