Coupler airline clearance to track

[Lame9910]

So I have noticed running on my track that my airlines that hang down from the coupler catch on the track causing derailments. Anyone else have this issue? Would adjusting coupler height be the route to take to solve this issue?

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[IronBeltKen]

I always bend mine upward before I put a new car/loco into service - avoids problems like the one you describe.

 

[Lame9910]

Right on I'll check it out. Should work it seems to catch mainly at the Atlas switches.

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[montanan]

Kadee makes a coupler height tool to allow you to make sure the coupler height is correct and the "air hose" clearance to the track is correct. This works on all knuckle couplers. I have had happen on occasion and I just bend the "air hose" up slightly with a pair of needle nose pliers. I do use magnets for automatic uncoupling and have no issues.

I don't know the exact measurement, but if the hose is 1/16 of an ince above the railhead, you should be fine.

 

[Lame9910]

I did order up that tool so I'll use that also! I have some intermodal cars that need the couplers lowered on so when I ordered new kadee couplers I ordered up the tool.

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[cajon]

Get a Kadee #237 Coupler Trip Pin Pliers for HOn3 to O scales for adjusting the pins. Always bend mine up so they pins look more like brake pipe hoses are connected.

 

[flyboy2610]

I just cut 'em off.

 

[bob]

One of these guys will do the trick.

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/380-205

It allows you to check both your coupler height and hose height.

 

[bob]

I just cut 'em off.

That won't work if you ever want to use the uncoupling system they're designed to work with.

 

[ShermanHill]

That won't work if you ever want to use the uncoupling system they're designed to work with.

(Newby here) Flyboy probably used that new-age uncoupling device... I think it's called a 'stick'.

 

[Iron Horseman]

So I have noticed running on my track that my airlines that hang down from the coupler catch on the track causing derailments. Anyone else have this issue? Would adjusting coupler height be the route to take to solve this issue?

Every one has this issue at some time or another. It depends if the coupler pin is low because it is not properly shaped, or because the coupler itself is not sitting properly. The first thing I would check is to see if the coupler is mounted such that it is pointing straight out from the car and not drooping. Some cars are plagued with coupler droop (thinking specifically of the Athearn tank cars). Pin bending in this case would end up with curled pins.

I think all the solutions I use have already been mentioned.
1. bend/shape them with a needle nose plier
2. bend/shape them with the Kadee coupler pin plier
3. use the Kadee coupler height gauge (once again making certain that IT isn't drooping).
4. use the coupler height gauge on the NMRA gauge
5. cut them off (The museum where I run trains requires them to be cut off because they cause so many problems.)

 

[flyboy2610]

5. cut them off (The museum where I run trains requires them to be cut off because they cause so many problems.)

I have read several posts around the internet where model railroad clubs have this requirement as well. Too many issues with hanging pins. (That didn't sound right, somehow?...........)