| Catalog Number 15G6A - Coupler Mount, 1-1/2" Scale |
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Installation InstructionsCoupler Mount, 1 1/2" ScaleCatalog Number 15G6A
Overview This coupler mount has been designed to be bolted or welded to your car and to mount and support the coupler. It is supplied primed and ready to paint as part of the completed car. It is important to realize, however, that this part is only one component of a well designed car. The reliability and safety of your car, and your enjoyment of it will depend on how well you design the overall car. These instructions are provided to give the basic details for use of the coupler mount. They are not intended in any way to be design guidance for the entire car. 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.
Orientation The coupler mount contains a number of holes as shown below and discussed in the following sections. To determine top and bottom, refer to the coupler mounting bolt holes; the threaded side of this hole is in the top of the coupler mount, the larger hole that is unthreaded is in the bottom. MOUNT.EPS Installation of Couplers The coupler mount may be installed on your car with the coupler mounting bolt either closer or farther away from the end of the car depending on which way it is turned. If your coupler shank is long enough, turn the coupler mount so that the hole is farther from the end, provided that it allows the coupler to project far enough to swing freely. If the coupler shank is shorter, turn the coupler mount the other way. 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 coupler mount. Your design should result in the coupler being the correct height above the rail (4 3/8 inches (111mm) is standard in most areas) when the car is normally loaded.
Your coupler shank (or bushing in loop shank couplers) should have a nominal 3/8" hole for the coupler bolt. 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).
The coupler mount is shipped assembled with a shoulder screw, washer, and nut to use for coupler mounting. These install so that the head of the shoulder screw is below the bottom of the coupler mount with the washer between the head and the coupler mount. The upper end of the shoulder screw threads into a tapped hole in the upper wall of the coupler mount. After the shoulder screw is tightened, a jam nut is installed on the portion of the threads projecting above the coupler mount and tightened to lock the shoulder screw in place. Your car design must allow access to the head of the shoulder screw both for installation and for periodic checking for tightness. If your design will not allow access to the top of the coupler mount you may omit the jam nut but the use of a high-strength retaining compound (stud type) is then strongly recommended. You should note that the end of the shoulder screw will project above the top of the coupler mount. It is necessary to either allow for this in your car design or to shorten the shoulder screw by grinding (this can reduce the strength in this area, use only with caution and if absolutely necessary).
Attachment to Car The coupler mount includes four 3/16" (4.78mm) diameter holes for bolting to the car floor or body. This coupler mount may also be welded to the car body if carefully planned to prevent distortion. We cannot over stress how important a correct attachment is to both the safety and enjoyment of your car. Please consider that a common industrial standard is that any part should be able to withstand three times the total load it normally carries. If you feel your design is this strong, you will be much more comfortable when enjoying your trains operation.
End Sills The coupler mount includes tapped holes in its sides for use in attaching our end sills. For details, please see the instructions included with the end sills.
Replacement Parts List (for One Car)
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