ARISTO-CRAFT SD-45 DIESEL LOCO

Conversion Information

#787 G Scale #1787 #1 Scale

This is a close coupler mounting and the coupler will perform to the limitations of the locomotive. The manufacturer recommends no less than 8 foot diameter track (4 foot radius) for this locomotive. With this coupler mounting it will negotiate the 8 foot diameter curves with the couplers in the coupled or delayed position pushing or pulling. However, it will not negotiate 8 foot diameter "S" curves and some tight switches with the couplers in the "delayed" position. (It was tested with cars up to 40 foot in length that have both body and truck mounted couplers.)

Read the following instructions carefully and study the illustrations before you begin.

   This is a massive large scale locomotive and needs to be handled carefully because of its weight. Turn the locomotive on its back and place it securely on a padded surface or cradle.
   To remove the original coupler, first you will need to remove the wire centering spring to access the coupler mounting screw. Remove the retaining screw holding the wire spring. Turn the truck so the spring will slide out between the wheel and gear housing. Remove and retain the coupler screw and carefully lift the coupler off the post.
   Take the #787/1787 draft gear box and drill a 15/64" hole through the center of the recessed well of the shank, the hole should be against the back of the box. Cut the shank off to .275" (about 9/32"). The cut is at the edge closest to the box of the small hole in the shank.
   Before coupler assembly, make a retaining washer from the rectangular plastic plates in the coupler package. You can use the coupler lid to locate the needed hole. Lay the lid on the plate lengthwise, fitting them together where the inside edge of the notch of the lid is flush with the long edge of the plate and the hole is on the centerline. Mark the plate through the center of the hole in the lid. Drill a 2-56 clearance hole (#43 drill) through the plate. Check that the original screw will slip through the hole.
   Assemble the coupler per instructions. Slip the coupler assembly into the opening and "hook" it over the top and down onto the mounting post. Be sure that it will set level. Slip the plate on top of the post and against the back of the box. Secure the coupler and plate with the original screw.
   Check for the correct coupler height, function, and clearance and make any necessary adjustments.