The following tables give our recommended starting points for installation of Kadee 808/808 or SHS 01295 couplers. Be sure to check coupler alignment with an NASG or Kadee coupler gauge after installation. If you don't have a micrometer or caliper to measure shim size, trial and error will work fine! These measurements and recommendations are by Michael Greene and Bill Clark, based on our experience with our cars and locos. Don't take them as gospel!
SHS Showcase Line Cars:
| Car | Coupler | Bolster Shim |
Coupler Shim |
Comments | ||||||
| Ore Car | 01295 | .072" (supplied) | None | 802/808 box too large | ||||||
| Hopper Car (open) |
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Use metal screws supplied with car or 01295. Screws that come 802/808 will break in metal frame of car. | ||||||
| Reefers |
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There is some variation, but most an extra .032" washer (not supplied) under the supplied bolster pad for the 01295. Some cars needed a small amount of filing to dress the top of the mounting post, to allow the truck to swivel freely. | ||||||
| TOFC #00187 |
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The 01295s were less than .005" low both ends. This car comes with 6 small metric machine screws to use with 802s. They are the same diameter as the ones that come with the 01295s, but are too short to be used with the 01295s. | ||||||
| Flat Car |
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We have found variations such that sometimes the 01295 is perfect, sometimes the 802. Our approach has been to use the one that requires the smallest shim. | ||||||
| 3-bay PS-2 |
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Cars vary as much as .040" high. |
SHS Showcase Line Locomotives
| Loco | Coupler | Coupler Shim Front |
Coupler Shim Rear |
Comments | ||||||
| SW-9 (new run) |
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Sample was MEC Christmas Loco. There are 3 coupler shims supplied, .080, .046, and the lid of the AF coupler box, .022. On the sample loco, the 802 gave a better height at the rear. | ||||||
| SW-9 runs 1 and 2 |
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The 01295 seems to give an excellent alignment with no spacer. They are our preferred coupler for this loco. | ||||||
American Models Cars
| Car | Coupler | Bolster Pad |
Coupler Shim |
Comments | ||||||
| 40' Box Car |
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This car is a recent production, standard series (stock # 1148). I only have one sample. The 802 came out about .010" high with no coupler shim or bolster pad, 01295 was right on with a .040" bolster pad (actually a washer). See more detail on installation here. | ||||||
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S Scale America Cars
| Car | Coupler | Bolster Pad |
Coupler Shim |
Comments | ||||
| 10000 Gal Tank Car |
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Supplied |
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Couplers are press fit over posts on frame. 01295 holes must be drilled out slightly (#51 drill). We have had posts break under load (derailment) recommend gluing coupler to car to avoid problem. | ||||
| 3-bay open Hopper |
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Supplied |
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Only cored for 2 screws for the 01295. We drlled for 3rd screw for stability. | ||||
| 53.5' Evans Box car | 802/808 | Supplied | None |
Need to mount without coupler box. We decided not to try it with an 01295 because of spring. | ||||