Converting Tyco to Knuckle Couplers. - Model Railroader Magazine

 John, nothing wrong with Tyco conversion after you get a hang of it. I have converted 34 Tyco Old Dutch Hoppers a lone.

 First gab the trucks and just yank, they have a split pin that goes into the bottom of the car. I know, I was afraid of breaking something the first time my self.

 At this point I would add better wheels, I used Proto 2000 33 inch wheels. This is the only tricky part. You need to use a truck reamer to clean the trucks out so the Protos will fit. Clean out one side, then the other just a little at a time. Install the PK's, and a test spin. When they spin around 5 seconds or more after you give then a spin you should be good.

 Cut of the stock coupler mounting points, I use my rail nippers.

 I use Kadee number 5 and the boxes that come with them. I glue the bottom of the pocket to the bottom of the car, make sure it is in the center and as far out as you can go with out hang out from under the car.

 Next, I drill a hole in the center of the pockets hole with a 1/8 drill bite. Install the brass spring (if you have not used Kadee's before,it is the brass pan like pieces) in the pocket.

 This what I do different, most here will tell you to use a 2/56 screw, but you need to thread the hole. I use a Walther's #1 X 1/2 wood screw 947-1197. It is self tapping and I got 24 for $2.49 from LHS. Fits in the center hole, and will self tap in to the 1/18th hole you drilled.

 Install the coupler, and screw down the lid. But! You are not done yet.

 This picture is just the top of the pocket. See the ears that are one either side? Bottom will have the same ears. You must clip them off! If you do not,in a turn they will hit the front wheels and car will derail,ask me how I know!

 Next, check the coupler height. I use the Kadee tool for this. Now this what I love about Tyco cars, you can use Kadee washer to raise the coupler height.

 Just cut one side of the washer (again I use my rail nippers) and slip on the washer.You can barley see the split pin mounting point in the picture.

 Tyco cars are very light, this would be a good time to bring there weight up to NMRA standards.

 Depending on the car, you may have to do a few things different. Some of the box cars I had to make mounting points for the coupler pockets to lower the couplers.Few I had to use coupler where the knuckle was off set upward from the shank.

 I will not claim to be a expert in this hobby, expert in Tyco Conversions. I have well over 60 of them and I will put them against any high dollar rolling stock as far as tracking and being free wheeling. I have pulled all 34 Old Dutch Hoppers around a 18 inch. 18 inch turns are gone now.

 Need more help, let me know.

              Cuda Ken