John Carmichael Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Here is how I modified the drop down USA Trains Hudson front coupler so that it has a working G scale Kadee #904 straight shank coupler. I drilled a 1/8" hole 3/8" from the end of the shank and sandwitched it between two 3/8" flat brass washers. Using a longer version of the existing steel bolt, I tightened the bolt snugly, but just tight enough to allow side to side swivel. Then I oiled it. A smaller hole was drilled near the knuckle for the chain fastener. The coupler no longer functions as a drop down which is unavoidable with the large Kadee G scale knuckles. Only the smaller Kadee 1 scale (1/32) straight shank couplers can be used as a drop down. This arrangement has a 22.9 degree range of motion (11.4 degrees left or right). It allows me to push or pull my other Kadee equipped cars without derailing in my tightest curves (R = 5 ft.). I used a somewhat similar arrangement for the Triplex front coupler (left side in photo below. It is coupled to the protocoupler on my USAT Hudson tender on right): Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Nice work John and thanks for sharing your work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 Ray Are you going to add this to your web page? John very nice and thanks for posting this upgrade! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 That is a good idea to consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Carmichael Posted September 1, 2016 Author Share Posted September 1, 2016 Since I'm fairly new to the forum, I'm under the impression that most forum MTH engine owners only make trains using matching 1/32 one gauge rolling stock with 1/32 one gauge couplers. I totally understand their desire to have both engines and stock and couplers in the same scale. So I almost didn't post this coupler conversion thinking nobody would be interested. I would have bet that there are many MTH engine owners like me who already have lots G scale rolling stock and would prefer to use their existing G scale stock with MTH one scale engines, even if the scales don't match. My goal in this coupler conversion was to be able to make a lash up with the Hudson and the Triplex and use my G scale stock in a train. By the way, I think there is an added benefit in using the G scale Kadees with MTH engines- They mate up better than the Kadee 1/32 one gauge couplers do with the large MTH Protocouplers which look more like G scale anyway... I wonder if Sean and I are about the only ones who need G scale front couplers on our MTH engines? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 John Sorry BUT I do not own any MTH g scale engines. A couple O scale... but no g scale. Most are USA engines ..as I work real close to Charles Ro (USA company) I might do your idea on my USA Hudson though.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 I'm switching my MTH couplers over to KD's. It's a major decision I still have to make deciding on G scale or #1 scale couplers. They are set up for the #1 scale. The outdoor layout with it's frost heaves and bumps, makes me think that the bigger, oversized coupler would be better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Carmichael Posted September 2, 2016 Author Share Posted September 2, 2016 Joe- Are you keeping the MTH DCS controllable protocouplers on your engines and only changing the MTH couplers on your cars? I love the MTH protocouplers and they work great with KD G scale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I would love to John as I love the ability to drop of trains via the remote. I have broken at least six of them now for various reasons. It's getting where I don't trust them under very heavy loads. I will probably have to replace them with KDs for extra strength. I will still keep them where they hold up on shorter trains and with switchers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I use the G scale Kadee's...mainly the 906, 907 & 908's as like John posted they work well with the MTH ProtoCouplers...and the G couplers won't slide up over one another when the track dips esp. with long cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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