BEFORE ASSEMBLY ALL COUPLERS:
The 20 or 30 series coupler lines are insolated plastic shanked couplers. After removing the draft gear
box from the sprue file off the break away point and any flash, making sure the inside of the box is smooth.
Burnish the coupler shank on both sides. Note: On 20 series couplers the bronze centering spring plate
must always be installed on the top of the coupler with the spring leaves (arms) facing down straddling
both sides of the standard shank coupler. Note: Fig.2 & Fig.10 represents a listing of parts only, at no time
would all these components be used in a single mounting situation.
COUPLER ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS #20 SERIES (
NO.
5
®
TYPE GEAR BOx: #232 or #234 GEAR BOx)
To assemble/install the coupler follow the illustrations in these instructions. See Fig.1 You can cement the
lid on the box using a small amount of solvent cement carefully placed along the seams if you wish. Fasten
assembled coupler on mounting platforms’ centerline with a #2 or 2-56 screw through the center hole or
with two 0-48 or 0-80 screws through each of the two outer holes. Where the use of a screw is not possible
a solvent cement can be used on a styrene mount and a “CA” glue can be used for other mounts.
COUPLER ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS #20 SERIES (“dROP IN” CAST-ON dRAFT GEAR BOxES &
MANUFACTURERS CLIP ON dRAFT GEAR BOxES)
To assemble/install the coupler follow the illustrations in these instructions. See Fig.1. Test fit the spring, it
must have room to flex the arms without binding. Some center posts may be too small, allowing too much
coupler play and will hinder centering action. Compare the play in the supplied draft gear box to the cast
on draft gear box and check if the spring functions properly. Make a small bushing (or sleeve) to slip over
the post. We include two sizes of sleeves in our 20 series coupler packages (.055” ID and .100” ID) and
they also are marketed separately as product #213. Place the spring and coupler into the draft gear box,
again making sure the spring is on top of the coupler. Place the lid on the box and secure according to the
manufacturers instructions. Do not over tighten for some lids may bind the spring. On Athearn and other
types of clip on lids you may need to file the edge of the tabs the lids clip onto to relieve any binding.
COUPLER ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS #20 SERIES (UNIvERSAL AdAPTOR PLATE: #213 GEAR BOx)
To assemble/install the coupler follow the illustrations in these instructions. See Fig.2, is used in applications
that require a lid with a centering boss. Raised sides forward, spring on top of coupler. Fasten assembly
to centerline of coupler mounting platform with a 2-56 Screw.
COUPLER ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS #20 SERIES (TALGO-TRUCKS: #212 TALGO AdAPTORS)
Fig.3 Represents the common talgo-trucks. Remove Talgo-truck from underframe and twist horn hook
coupler out of coupler box. With a sharp hobby knife, remove areas shown in Fig.4 from the existing
coupler box. The opening must be just wide enough to hold the Bronze Centering Spring without binding
or distorting it. Remove any obstructions which may interfere with the coupler operation & burnish inside
coupler box. Set coupler in position and check coupler height before inserting talgo adapter.
TYCO
®
STYLE TALGO-TRUCK:
Insert Bronze Centering Spring, see Fig.5. Bend down coupler pivot pin just far enough to slide spring
past it from the front. Push spring back against center post to make room for Coupler. Pull pivot pin down
once more and insert Coupler until hole in Coupler Shank rests directly above coupler pivot pin. Now, slide
centering spring forward, aligning spring hole with both coupler hole and pivot pin, see Fig.5. Proceed to
INSERTION PIC below to completion of this assembly.
LIFE-LIKE™ & MOdEL POwER
®
STYLE
TALGO-TRUCK:
Install Coupler from the front at an angle and slide Coupler Shank underneath one lip of coupler box,
see Fig.6. When the coupler hole is centered over pivot pin, twist Coupler down over pin, letting both lips
capture Coupler Shank. Insert Bronze Centering Spring from the rear, bringing it forward over Coupler.
Align holes in both the Coupler and spring over the pivot pin, see Fig.7. Proceed to
INSERTION PIC to
completion of this assembly.
INSERTION PIC:
Using the Kadee
®
#230 Insertion Pic, set Talgo-Truck Adaptor cross-wise into the spring and Coupler
holes. Turn Insertion Pic and attached Adaptor 90° and press down, snapping Adaptor into position, see
Fig.8. Make sure the broad section of the Adaptor faces toward the Coupler Knuckle and pivot pin has
entered hole. Re-assemble truck to equipment and check coupler clearance.
A.H.M.
®
TALGO-TRUCK:
Remove Talgo-truck from underframe and twist horn hook coupler out of coupler box. With a sharp knife,
remove areas shown in Fig.9 from the top and front of Talgo-truck coupler box. Mount the #27 Coupler in a
NO.
5
®
Draft Gear Box, then trim a small amount from the two side mounting lugs for clearance. The assembled
Coupler may now be set into the modified Talgo-truck and glued, using any one of the “CA” glues.
20 & 30
SERIES COUPLERS
LONG
UNdERSET SHANK
MEdIUM
OvERSET SHANK
SHORT
CENTERSET SHANK
SHORT
UNdERSET SHANK
SHORT
OvERSET SHANK
LONG
CENTERSET SHANK
MEdIUM
UNdERSET SHANK
MEdIUM
CENTERSET SHANK
LONG
OvERSET SHANK
#
21/31
#
22/32
#
23/33
#
24/34
#
25/35
#
26/36
#
27/37
#
28/38
#
29/39
20 & 30 Series Kadee
®
Magne-Matic
®
Couplers
20 Series
Mounted on Bottom
& 30 Series
draft gear on bottom with
standard lid on top
30 Series
draft gear on top with
standard lid on bottom
Coupler and spring correctly
aligned over pivot pin
FIG.5
Bend
down
coupler pivot pin and slide
in bronze spring from front
FIG. 12
GLUE AT
THESE POI N TS
