Owners Manual and Parts List

Center Bench Riding Car

Catalog Number 15C7A

Assembly

Note: Depending on how your car is delivered, the following parts may already be assembled. The car is designed so that the trucks pivot on round, protruding part known as the center pivot button. This button is held to the car with a threaded stud that also allows for the installation of a nut and washer below the trucks. To install these parts, start with the stud. Make sure that the threaded hole in the body bolster is clean and undamaged. One end of the stud has an opening to allow it to be installed with a hex key. Apply a small amount of retaining compound (the small plastic tube that is packed with the parts) to the threads near the end away from the key. Thread the stud into the hole. When it bottoms against the frame of the car tighten it firmly into place. Do not use excessive force. The center pivot button is the round part that fits into the matching recess in the top of our trucks. The button is threaded and screws on to the stud. The threads are recessed on one side, but the button may be installed either way. Apply retaining compound to the area of the stud near the car (but not to the lower parts of the stud or the button) and tighten the button firmly against the bottom of the body bolster. Use a strap wrench, pliers with tape on the jaws, or other similar soft tool to prevent damaging the button while tightening

Installation of Couplers or Drawbars

A hole is provided at each end of the floor for coupler or drawbar attachment. Unless ordered otherwise, the position of this hole is for the use of standard shank couplers. The length of your coupler shank must allow the coupler to project far enough to swing freely.

Most standard couplers have a shank that is 3/4 inch (19mm) high. If yours is thicker than this it will be necessary to mill, file or grind it to this thickness. If you are unable to do this yourself and cannot find someone in your area please contact us. If your coupler shank is considerably thinner than this dimension you should add washers (not included) above and below the coupler at the coupler bolt to place the coupler vertically in the center of the opening.

Your coupler shank should have a nominal 3/8" hole for the coupler bolt or pin. The hole should allow a slightly loose fit so that the coupler swings freely without allowing excessive play (slightly larger or smaller holes can be produced with letter size drills). If a hole is not provided in your coupler, or if it is too small, it must be drilled. Use care in locating this hole so that it is not so close to the side or end of the coupler shank that it weakens it. If the hole provided is too large it should be reduced in diameter with a bushing (not included).

For increased safety the use of drawbars is highly recommended. Suitable drawbars are available from us. If safety chains are required in your operation you must provide and install the necessary hardware.

Install your couplers or drawbars using suitable 3/8" diameter bolts and nuts, or clevis pins and lock pins as is your preference. Bolts or pins should be installed with the head on top so that they will remain in place if the nut or lock pin comes off.

Installation of Trucks

The car is designed to mount directly to all Real Trains 1 ½" scale trucks. Consider weight limits when selecting trucks. The design of the car makes it difficult to use other brands of trucks.

Check the trucks you plan to use and make sure they are properly assembled and ready for use (see truck manual) Coat all sliding surfaces (center pivot and rocker pads) with a heavy-duty, waterproof grease before installing the trucks. Clean these surfaces and re-coat periodically during maintenance.

To install trucks it is recommended that the car be turned over on a padded surface (Caution - heavy, two persons are required). Install the trucks while upside down. Nylon insert lock nuts and flat washers are included to be placed below the truck so that the car can be lifted with the trucks attached (optional).

For other brands of trucks or other mounting methods you must design the mounting system yourself. The reliability and safety of your car, and your enjoyment of it will depend on how well you design this mounting. These instructions are provided to give the basic details for use. They are not intended in any way to be design guidance. If you do not feel comfortable doing the design yourself we strongly advise you to seek out more experienced modelers for help. If you are unsure of anything, please contact us. Your design should result in the center of the coupler opening being the correct distance above the top of the rail with a normal load on the car (for current IBLS standards this is 4 3/8" (111mm), some clubs may have other standards).

Replacement Parts List (for One Car)

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