Installation Instructions

1" by 2" Car Frame, 1 1/2" Scale

Catalog Numbers 15P3A through 15P3D

Overview

This frame has been designed to tie the couplers, trucks, end sills (optional) and car floor together. It provides a strong frame that allows almost any type of car to be built simply. 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 frame. 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 frame contains a number of holes as shown below and discussed in the following sections. Frames are shipped marked as to top and bottom. If these marks are lost you may refer to the coupler mounting bolt holes; the threaded side of this hole is in the top of the frame, the larger hole that is unthreaded is in the bottom.

FRAME12.EPS

Installation of Couplers

Two holes are provided at each end of the frame for coupler attachment. If your coupler shank is long enough, use the hole farther from the end of the frame, provided that it allows the coupler to project far enough to swing freely. If the coupler shank is shorter, use the hole closer to the end of the frame. 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 frame.

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 frame is shipped with two shoulder screws, washers, and nuts to use for coupler mounting. These install so that the head of the shoulder screw is below the bottom of the frame with the washer between the head and the frame. The upper end of the shoulder screw threads into a tapped hole in the upper wall of the frame. After the shoulder screw is tightened, a jam nut is installed on the portion of the threads projecting above the frame 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 frame 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 frame. 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 frame includes a number of 3/16" (4.78mm) diameter holes for bolting to the car floor or body. This frame 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 and Brakes

The frame includes tapped holes for use in attaching our end sills. Central brake components use the floor attachment bolts. For details, please see the instructions included with these products.

Installation of Trucks

If using our body bolsters, please see the instruction included with that product. If designing your own mounting, please consider the information above as to strength and safety. 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)