HS II - Shunting with Kadees

[Dad-1]

This one is now fully re-built with all pictures replaced, that is excluding
my Avatar which can wait for some future attention, perhaps even a different
picture from before.
My next BIG job will be to try and re-build some, if not all my workbench thread.
That one runs to 40 pages ? If I recall correctly, that will have well over 100
pictures to identify and then replace.

Geoff T.

[retiredoperator]

Hi Geoff T. The Bachmann F1 looks very similar in size to one of my ex GWR Pannier tanks in London Transport livery, and I have realised there are certain problems with NEM droop which can be overcome by shoving a bit of plastic in a pocket, But , this is a very big But the couplings on the Pannier tank are different . How would I fit them?? I could hack it off? and fit a number 5 gearbox or similar? but I may end up with a rather battered Loco . Could you give me some pointers on a "possible course of action". Or should I go for either the second best clumsy option which would use up the already limited space of a Shuntig Puzzleand use a GWR shunters truck on a Southern Layout albeit London Transport Happy modelling KEV

[Dad-1]

Hi Kev,

You can butcher most things, but droop comes from two places. Where the coupling attachments
are well up into the chassis as with many Heljan models it's more of a problem. What I've done with
the shunting wagons is to use a touch of superglue at various places to lock the couplings where I
want them. You can always undo that with some de-bonder if necessary in the future.
There is a danger in doing that though, where you need the maximum lateral sliding movement within
the coupling. When couplings run out of space to move you get derailments. This is why the NEM boxes
are usually fitted in a flexible manner to provide just a little more spring. The level of problem locked
couplings bring depends on the tightness of any curves and points, in particular a reverse curve through
a cross-over pair of set-track points where the geometry creates a real danger area.

Which pannier tank are you using ? I have 4 Bachmann versions I can look at, but if another manufacturers
model is being used I can't examine with regard to your specific droopy coupling problem.

Geoff T

[Ironduke]

if the problem is a NEM coupler I have found that you can sometimes get a better result by turning the NEM socket over. But how bad is it, Kev? Can you post a photo?

[Dad-1]

For close on a Month all I've been doing is trying to rebuild all my
threads with photographs to replace the damage done by those
inconsiderate robbers Photobucket.

Well time for an eye straining rest.......
Here we have my paraffin can, a box of matches sitting on the drainage
pipe with a newspaper in the background.
How darned daft can you get with 4 mm modelling !!
Even my camera struggles (not enough light) to give any depth of
field.

I suppose I should have 'lit' the brazier, but too impatient. I really thought
I could have done a better yellow 'shell' on the can, but who will even
see that matchbox from three feet away.



Geoff T.

[TimberSurf]

We all love a bit of grot, especially such tiny grot
(needs some flickering Led's under the grazier though! )

[Dad-1]

Now IF only I'd tested that brazier before it was stuck in I'd have moved it around so the
glowing LED can be seen easily !! It was on, in fact when any lights are working so is the
braziers glow.
Anyway after not even opening the layout box for several week I decided to have a shunting
session. While the Kadees didn't work 100% they did seem better now the shed's cooler.
I don't have a tripod so no video I'm afraid, but it was a surprise how a couple of hours passed
so quickly.
I still need more of Dave's grott, but liked the look of this photo. Dereks newspaper shows up
now.



Geoff T.

[Bufferstop]

Even the yellow Shell emnblem shows up now Geoff! Great stuff.

[Dad-1]

Hi retiredoperator,

Best to continue here with the query as it's out of context in my Workbench Thread.
I gather you're wanting to use Kadees ?
Are both those 57XX locomotives you have Bachmann ?
If so do these two different undersides represent what you have ?



The one on the left has the dovetail fittings for NEM pockets, although no front coupling fitted.
On the right is a split chassis Bachmann 57XX where wide couplings are held in with a screw.

I've never tried to fit Kadees to any old chassis as they're getting long in the tooth and I much
prefer to use newer models. I have however no doubt they can be fitted, but probably no going
back as you'd be looking at a permanent butchering job.

This is trying to help with a problem raised in August - not out of context, just a little out of time.

Geoff T

[mumbles]

Happy to offer advice about kadee fitting, all be it I'm no expert, but have butchered rolling stock to fit them. Most likely issue if it's the type on the right is the tension hook will be mounted lower than what kadees require. If its NEM compatible, you 'may' still have a similar problem as standards for locos seem to vary.

[Dad-1]

HSII now has a Sunday suit !!
Unfortunately we don't have a pair of matching elastic straps.
One a touch long, the other too short, but all set-up for tomorrow.

You would be surprised how rigid this structure is and the piano
fold top will pass between with space in-hand !!

We now feel it won't get lost in a corner of any exhibition.

Geoff T.

[Dad-1]

I don't know why, but I never added this video.

https://youtu.be/uG3CoFnhrMk

It shows a full shunting exercise.

Proof the Kadees were just about tamed !

Geoff T.

[TimberSurf]

You did in another thread
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=53313&p=658424&hil ... Mk#p658424

[Dad-1]

Bored, been running HS2 again, a regular occurrence and just thought I'd add a few
fresher photographs. All hand held in poor light so I apologise as to quality !

Back last year I mentioned the layout's Sunday suit, but never posted the banner we
now sport above the layout at exhibitions.



The yard point levers



Under bridge entry to the yard



A little piece of history (steam Roller) parked in the yard



This view would show 2 unsightly above board Kadee magnets had we not decided to make the large underboard magnets work.



It's shed ? Not a Hornby fan, but the Sentinel works this yard just fine and gets parked under the bridge.



Sorry you have to suffer my ramblings. Suppose I need to start something new.

Geoff T.

[Dad-1]

I've added a video here of HS II being used for a full shunting puzzle.
My last posting regarding the Heljan 1361 is in the 'Green Frog Brewery' thread, where there is a
short clip of this loco showing it's current slow running properties. That was also done on HS II, but
the main reason was to explain some of the works done to the 1361 to achieve something near
to what it should have been out of the box. The previous comments in that thread.

I had a Kadee hang, it also shows the quick fix for freeing up a sticky coupler at somewhere around
4 min 20 seconds.

With 100's of possible combinations from 9 wagons a layout like this keeps your brain working. I
say everyone should have one. You could cut-down the scenery height and easily keep under a bed.

https://youtu.be/JU9U9-DquR0

Geoff T.