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Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 7:14 pm
by bulleidboy
I have Kadees fitted to most loco's and at the ends of rakes of coaches. Now I don't run trains very often (sad life :cry:), but just of lately I have noticed that the pin on the coupler catches on the rails when crossing points and crossovers. The instructions recommend "not" bending the pin, but I can't see any other option. It also mentions cutting the pin off, but as I have magnets under the track to uncouple loco's this is not an option. I watched a youtube video on adjustments, and they guy just bent it. . The hook will also catch point motor rods - and I've cut those as short as I could.
Has anyone else had this problem?

Re: Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:14 pm
by Walkingthedog
Don’t they make special pliers to bend the pins Barry.

Re: Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:33 pm
by bulleidboy
They do Brian - I just found them on ebay - about £18.00. - One to think about - with care pliers are pliers? Barry

Re: Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:48 pm
by Walkingthedog
They make the correct curve without breaking the pin. Had a demo once when I mistakenly asked a guy at a show if they were Kadee couplings. Couldn’t get away from him.

Re: Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 10:07 pm
by Steve M
Barry, the jaws are shaped to create the curve needed on the pins.

Image

Re: Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 10:20 pm
by bulleidboy
Ordered - I need a bigger toolbox :)

Re: Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2020 1:29 am
by Ron S
You are using the Kadee height gauge as well to confirm trip height is correct ?

https://www.kadee.com/ho-scale-tools-an ... -p-315.htm
https://www.kadee.com/documents/205_206ins.pdf

Re: Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2020 8:49 am
by bulleidboy
Yes, have the height gauge - coupling is fine, just the pins are a little low - may be using Code 75 track doesn't help the situation?? :? Barry

Re: Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2020 11:16 am
by Ron S
I use Code 75 with no problems with my Kadee's. and many use Code 55 in H0 without problems.

Re: Kadee coupler problem.

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2020 11:58 am
by bulleidboy
There all fitted correctly Ron, but I find that the pin will usually go under the plate on the end of the height gauge, whereas it should be just above the plate - the actual coupler is spot on with its opposite number (coach end).