Tips - Kadee Couplers - A-C Tankcars

Place the car upside down on a soft surface such a foam-lined cradle. Remove the four screws under the frame holding the straps around the tank at each end of the car. Remove the tank from the car by gently pulling it up at each end. Place the screws back in the straps so they do not get lost. Set the tank aside for now.

Undo the screws, indicated with the red arrow, holding the trucks the frame. Place the screws back in the frame so they do not get lost, and set the trucks aside for now.

The bottom of the frame at the ends of the car is the correct height for mounting Kadee 820 couplers, however, the openings in the center will have to be filled. From a strip of 1/8 by 3/16 inch styrene, cut two lengths 5/8 inches long. Sand the ends of each piece until they fit snugly into the slots and flush with the front of the frame. Glue the pieces in place and paint them flat black.

From the same strip of 1/8 x 3/16 inch styrene, cut two pieces 3/4 inches long. File the numbers of the tops of the Kadee coupler box covers and superglue a piece to the top of each cover as shown. Paint the shim flat back.

Pop a cover and coupler box together. Set the coupler box on the center of the frame with the lip of the cover flush against the front of the frame. Holding the coupler box firmly, use the front and rear holes as guide to drill 3/32 inch holes through the frame. Repeat the process for the other end of the frame.

Paint the tops of the Kadee screws flat black. When dry, slip them through the holes in the top of the frame. Assemble the couplers and mount them on the screws. Tighten the front screws first, 1/4 turn at time, until the coupler does not move freely. Back the screw off 1/4 turn and test for free play. Repeat the process for the rear screws. Paint the nuts on the bottom of the coupler boxes flat black. The paint may help keep the couplers from coming loose.

Remove the wheels and axles by gently spreading the truck side frames. Next remove the brake shoe parts (shown at the bottom of the photo). Be careful not to lose the two small springs from each. Remove the bolster from the side frame.

Using the slots in the Kadee wheel and coupler gauge, set the wheels to the proper track gauge.

Spread a little plastic compatible grease on the end of each axle. Insert the axles and wheels by gently spreading the side frames. Place the trucks on a piece of track and test the action of the springs and by pressing down on the center of the bolster.

Install the tank on the frame and secure it with the two straps.