I have recently acquired an old Life-Like ConRail high hood locomotive. It is not with me at the time so I don't know the number but it is a high-hood and has ALCo type trucks. Anyway, this engine has horn hook (I think that's what they are called) couplers that I would like to replace with knuckle couplers but the horn hooks are truck mounted and I want the knuckles to be body mounted. Is there any way to do this without much work (or damage in my case) to the locomotive or is it better to leave them on?
Also, I have recently acquired a Bachmann Union Pacific B23-7 (I think the number is 124) that has body mounted horn hooks. Are the horn hooks attached the same way to the shell as knuckle couplers?
Thanks,
Cody
With some locomotive and track radius combinations, body mounted couplers do not have enough swing to compensate for locomotive overhang unless you use couplers with very long shanks. In this case, you might want to stick to truck mounted couplers.
Generally, knuckle couplers are attached the same way as the horn hooks they replace. Drop over to the Kadee website and see if they recommend particular couplers for these replacements.
Jim
Thank you
cody