BACHMANN SPECTRUM 4-4-0 CENTENNIAL STEAM LOCOMOTIVE - Kadee<SUP>®</SUP> Large Scale Coupler Conversion

Conversion Information

BACHMANN SPECTRUM 4-4-0 CENTENNIAL STEAM LOCOMOTIVE, "TENDER ONLY"

This coupler conversion will allow the locomotive and tender to negotiate 4 foot diameter (2 foot radius) curves with the couplers in the coupled or delayed position.

#837 'G' Scale
#1837 #1 Scale

The #831 "G" scale or #1831 #1 scale couplers will fit on the truck mounted coupler platform (trim off the rounded tip) but the coupler may be too high and the coupler will protrude excessively.

First remove the Bachmann coupler (a single screw in the shank). Remove the two step board screws and carefully pry the tips of the vertical braces off the rear sill (two press fit pins).

You will need a 1/2" x 4-40 flathead screw and a 1/2" x 2-56 flathead screw along with a drill and tap for the 2-56 screw, the 4-40 will self-tap in the existing hole.

For clearance of the step board and truck bumper you need to countersink the two holes in the bottom of the draft gear box, the rear hole for the 4-40 screw and the front hole for the 2-56 screw. If you do not have countersink bits you can use a large twist drill bit and cut just deep enough so the heads of the screws are flush with the surface of the box. If you're careful enough (or skilled with some bravado) you can use a sharp hobby knife and trim the holes for the countersinks.

Place the draft gear box lid on the coupler platform and align the rear hole with the hole in the platform. Trim the end of the platform flush with the edge of the notched center part of the lid.

Assemble the coupler according to its instructions. Place the assembled coupler on the platform, aligning the holes as before. Use the 4-40 screw to secure the coupler, you may need to carefully push the bumper of the truck out of the way to let the head of the screw slip by. Make sure the coupler is aligned straight with the platform. Through the front hole of the draft gear box, drill and tap a hole through the platform for a 2-56 screw and insert and tighten the 2-56 screw.

Check the coupler height, then replace the step board, and check the clearance of the screw heads and draft gear box.