Model Railroading > Fixing Walthers Swinging Coupler Pockets

UP 960605, Walthers HO Pullman-Standard model of a 60' 6215cuft double sliding door built 8-65. The Walthers model is a great car, but has those awful swinging coupler pockets. I setout to fix that before I ever operated the car. After some research, I figured the best route would be to use the Walthers cushioned coupler pocket along with some other parts. The Walthers part was designed to fit the MDC/Roundhouse freightcar kits of the 80's, but needed a .040" plate to be able to sit on the flush surface of the Walthers model. I had to locate, drill and tap two holes. I used a 2-56 screw to secure the coupler pocket to the car frame, and a 0-80 screw to secure the lid at the coupler pivot point.

I also used the cushion coupler pocket outside frame from a Rapido PC&F boxcar, Moloco brake hose extender to match prototype photos, and a tangent cut lever. I also used the new Kadee SBE couplers. The handbrake was without a chain, so I used some etched metal chain I've had. Now the ends of the car looks as good as the rest of the model.

The prototype car was delivered with roof walks and a high brakewheel. But photos seem to suggest this class was rebuilt with a lower brakewheel, shortened ladders and no roofwalk within a few years. I also need to paint out the "railroad" lettering on the shield and weather the car.

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/19/24 05:06 by funnelfan.

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Some other views of the model.

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

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Nice work Ted!

Ed Stewart
Jacksonville, FL

Nice paint match on the new coupler pocket.  Thanks for posting.  

Nick Tharalson,
Marion, IA

 

Awesome. Thanks for sharing the way to fix this.  

TE#$D...This was a good training course on applying the couplers and avarity of parts,  thanks so much..

Great work

Job well done! Looks ready for years of revenue service.