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Re: [BRHSlist] Denver Zephyr N Scale

To: "BRHSlist" <BRHSlist@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [BRHSlist] Denver Zephyr N Scale
From: "David Lotz" <Dave_Lotz@m...>
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 08:36:38 -0600
Cc: "Joe Valerio" <trainutz@e...>
The Railway Classics N scale Denver Zephyr cars were designed to accept the 
MicroTrains #1023 (assembled) or #1025 (unassembled) coupler. Assembling the 
#1025 kit is greatly facilitated with the assembly jig that MT sells. When 
installing the MT 1023 coupler...with the car upside down, GENTLY bend the 
brass steam line about 1/4 inch upward, away from the car bottom. Move it JUST 
enough to insert the 1 mm screw thru the 1023 and into the car coupler plate 
which is tapped for 1 mm. After installation, push the steam line back into 
place. Voila!

If the MicroTrains passenger truck is being considered, there are some caveats: 
1) the shoulder around the truck bolster hole will have to be shaved down or 
the car will ride too high; 2) the MT coupler on the truck can't be used 
without removing the car steam line and coupler retainer (this means 
permanently removing brass details); 3) installation of alternative couplers 
such as Red Caboose (formerly Unimate) dummy knuckle couplers, other MT 
couplers (any body-mounted style, I.e. #1015).

The Kato truck (Budd style) might be do-able (never thought of it), but the 
drawback is that the Kato truck has a vertical pick-up wiper in the middle of 
each side-frame that would have to be removed, or total short-out would result. 
Unless great care is exercised in removing the contacts (used for car lighting 
and anti-sway), if the car body does sway while in motion, momentary shorts 
could be experienced. 

Some of the factory trucks have exhibited rolling friction. The usual fault is 
that the truck side-frames are not vertical. Careful bending to straighten the 
frames solves most of the difficulty. I did this to the pilot model diner I 
have, and it rolls quite freely (not as good as MT or Kato trucks, but good 
enough). A pair of Kato E8's makes easy work of this.
If you need the 1 mm mounting screws, let Dave or me know. I supplied the 
remaining DZ sets with them several months ago. There are enough extras to go 
around; again, let Dave or me know and we'll include some packs in the next 
delivery to you.
In summary: use MT #1023( or #1025). It is a drop-in solution.

Joe Valerio
Railway Classics
N Scale Guru



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