close coupling for LL Erie Builts?

[arbomambo]

Hello,
I'm hoping someone can assist me here...
I've just been fortunate to acquire an LAB set of LL Erie Builts, NIB, in ATSF livery...
Apart from the DL-109, I've not dealt with LifeLike's method of body mounting on these units...
I changed out the Rapidos to MTs, but the spacing is, still, much too far apart; I've used Unimates to close couple all of my other ATSF Cab units, as thet're all truck mounted and the short shank Unimates were an easy swap.
Any ideas on close coupling for these units?
Bruce

[mecgp7]

Bruce,
I made a draw bar to connect my AB units. Very simple as you use the factory coupler retaining clips. Make a bar and drill holes in each end. Then install the bar as if it was a coupler with the center peg going through the draw bar holes. Obviously you need to determine your desired draw bar length.

This makes them semi-permanently connected, but you can pull the coupler retaining clips with ease. Of course this method only works if you don't plan on separating the pair for individual operations.

[Mike C]

  Used a drawbar here too for my LL C-Liners . Easy, cheap, and works great !

[atsf_arizona]

Hi, arbomambo:

See this Trainboard discussion:  http://trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/ll-erie-built-coupler-conversion.70766/




Following is my Erie-Built set, close coupled exactly like the photo above, used instructions in N Scale Railroading's article detailing Verne Niner's conversion using Unimates, it was the Nov/Dec 2002 N Scale Railroading, pages 24-29.




Here's the couplers he described in that article:




That issue, should you have a copy around, the cover looks like this:



Trust that helps.   

[Cajonpassfan]

Go Bruce!
I sure could use the "90" set here!
Otto K.

[arbomambo]

John,
Thank you again...I thought I remembered you doing this to yours...I do have some of those old Red Caboose couplers (I believed 'they' called them 'body mount' couplers)...

Otto,
Thanks for the pics...I've been trying to acquire these since missing out on the limited release waaay back when (Seems I remember you offering some on Ebay a few years ago...missed those as well...)
I have to add the center headlight, move the existing horn and add the two further back on the cab roof, paint the trucks, drill the pilot and add trainline hoses...Roberto made a photoetched set of the distinctive grills Santa Fe added to the large grill area at the rear of each unit, but getting in touch with him has been problematic of late.

thanks, every one, for the replies and suggestions,
Bruce

[arbomambo]

I finally had a little time to solve this little issue-close coupling the Erie Builts...
I did use the Red Caboose/Unimate 'body mount' couplers...I created a shim/spacer from Evergreen styrene tube and simply mounted the coupler using the existing clip that LifeLike uses (Kato and Atlas have made good use of these plastic retaining clips also)

here are pics with MT 1015s added...still much too far apart....




here are the Red Caboose couplers as they come:




and after cutting the rear portion from the coupler to allow clearance (I only need the one hole)




the styrene rod I used to create spacers....




please forgive the next two pics (my lens decided to not focus at this macro level...

two pics of the couple with the spacer, clipped back into place...(I'll paint the white spacer brown/black)





and here are the units coupled with the new system....I believe that new diaphragms will really work here and complete the effect.




Thanks for looking,
Bruce

[SP-Wolf]

Awesome Bruce,

They look great.

Highly envious,
Wolf

[Cajonpassfan]

Oh yea, makes all the difference, nice job Bruce!
So, are the couplers allowed to swivel, or are they fixed in place?
That's always a challenge with these...
Otto

[arbomambo]

Thanks Wolf, Otto...
 Otto, they do swivel; I opened the hole in the coupler enough so that they swivel freely (too freely I feel when trying to couple them) and they have just a touch of vertical slop to allow for track irregularities.
Now, on to adding the center headlight, two cab roof horns, trainline hoses, and z scale couplers for the pilots....
Bruce

[mcjaco]

And Unimates are returning.  Very soon.

[altohorn25]

Yes - the unimates will be back in stores shortly thanks to Fox Valley.

Nate

[Mark5]

Unimates available now if you need em:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Scale-Couplers-Trucks-Wheelsets-s/1445.htm?searching=Y&sort=3&cat=1445&show=30&page=1&brand=Red%20Caboose