I have a bunch of Alan intermodal kits but using the MT bolsters are a pain. What size tap, die, and screw do I need to replace the MT bolsters with screws? Thanks for any help and advice.
I think 0-80 should work. 2-56 might be too big. Dubro makes taps and dies for both sizes and are available at most hobby shops that stock R/C planes.
I used 2-56 with a coffee stirer as a filler on the screw on some Walther's well cars. Worked well. Bob.
If you have access to HO Kadee number 5 coupler boxes you can make an excellent spacer for a 2–56 screw. Just use the flat part of the coupler box with the boss on it. Use a small paper punch to cut out the boss, leaving a ring of plastic around it. The boss fits perfectly inside a Micro-Trains bolster pin hole (I assume this is because Micro-Trains and Kadee were once the same company) and a 2-56 screw fits inside the boss. The ring of plastic acts as a washer between the screw head and the truck. The only thing you have to be careful of is not to tighten the screw too tight or the truck will not swivel.
