Coupler Mod makes 73' Z Centerbeams Feasable

This 73' National Steel car has a few mods done over the CORP one. The trucks were moved back to the correct position, because I figured out how to make extended couplers in Z. Also I put the correct top beam on, as I had the Trinity design on the first car.


The Power Zap tool is designed for melting fishing line, a fly tying aid that can be found at better tackle shops. I use it to melt the caps on 903 coupler kits.


I snapped off the coupler housing from some roller bearing trucks with couplers, then used a thin kerf Gyros blade in my Dremel to cut some plastic away.


I left half of the pin that the original coupler fit around, and the left side, so that an L Shaped alignment region was left over. This gave me position and height alignment, as well as leaves plenty of plastic to weld the new 903 coupler to.

 

When completed, the new truck with extended shank coupler is as good as 1 solid part.


Now that the trucks are back further, the swing over the rails is balanced better, with the ends hanging over the outsides and in between the trucks hanging over the inside of a turn.


Also, there is just enough truck play for a 9" radius turn now, so this car, when properly weighted should run fine on any Z-Bend Track modules.


You can just see what the new top beam looks like, and looking at the CORP car I did last week, those with a sharp eye can see I accidentally put the Trinity opera window car's top beam on. All in all, it looks like this car is feasible in Z now.

 

Na, it's the 220mm I think? Actually 228.6mm, but I am not familiar with sectional track sizes that well. It's either 220 or 230mm track.

 

Robert, It looks great. Now I must start looking for some z scale cows.

 

I can put half height unwrapped basswood loads on some, and full height balsa wrapped loads on others. BNSF website has a recommended loading page that shows how to load everything from steel coils, to pipe loads on these cars too, so it appears they are used for more than just lumber.

This car needs about 14-16 grams, so I will experiment with it. I am going to try to qualify it on 195mm radius if I can, else it will have to be the 220mm? radius.

 

Yes, that truck runs out of travel, but just being set back to the correct position, the coupler will not reach from under the car, hence the extended shank coupler.

 

They are $18 at the Bass Pro Shop

 

NSC 73' Centerbeam Project

Making extended length truck mounted couplers:


Welding new coupler on to truck:

 

NSC 73' Centerbeam Project

My newest paint scheme, Northwestern Oklahoma, in their newest paint scheme with reflective rectangles:


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The secret to readable text is to "convert to curves" all the text before printing: