09/19/04  

MTH Challenger - G scale Kadee #830 coupler added to the Tender: 

Most of the individuals I've spoken to that have added Kadee couplers to their Challenger tenders have used a #1 scale 820 or 821.  I prefer the larger G scale size over the #1 scale because they will be more likely to stay coupled on poorly leveled and uneven track and thus provide me a little more peace of mind. 

After a little modifying, I was able to get the G scale 830 knuckle to attach to the existing MTH tender coupler arm.  Here is what the tender coupler looks like in it's original configuration.  (except in these example photos I went back and made for the site, I put the knuckle on the arm upside down , but you get the idea.)

I modified an 830 coupler like you see below.  It required cutting the end off, drilling a hole for the bolt and filing the entire top of the arm to allow the coupler to be level with the tender.  I also filed the bottom of the arm at a slight angle to give the knuckle a slight incline so it would be at the proper height.  In addition, I dug out the parts you see next to the coupler to use for the new assembly.

I then slid the new 830 onto the existing MTH tender coupler arm and bolted it securely in place. 

Next, I set the stock spring in place and reattached the arm to the tender.  I added a modified and polished washer to the pivot screw point to add a little more stability to the arm so the coupler would have less up and down play.  The final screw was then put in place.  I oiled the pivot assembly and the ridge on the back tender wall where the coupler arm now rests against it.

And as you can see, it was a success!  It works better than before and I now have a G scale Kadee on my tender ready to pull revenue runs.

 

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