Don't know what it's called...

[cncproadwarrior]

You all know the big gap where the couplers go in the front and back of Athearn BB diesels that looks like a hockey player smiling. Well I can remember eons ago that you could order a part to fill that gap that made the front and real look prototypical. But I don't know what it's called. Coupler housing?

If anyone knows what I'm talking about, what are they called and can we still order those parts?

 

[kjd]

Buffer plate. Details West makes standard and scale versions.

 

[cncproadwarrior]

Thanks Paul,

What's the difference? I was not able to find the scale version on the details west site.

 

[MRLdave]

Try looking under "pilot" .......I've never heard "buffer plate" before, which doesn't mean much. There are a lot of terms that are regional or railroad specific. But the normal MODEL term for what you are describing is an "open pilot"

 

[SP4439]

Could be called a striker plate or a pilot plate.

 

[MGWSY]

What you want is Details West BP-195 Pilot Buffer Plate.

 

[cncproadwarrior]

Thanks Mark. That's what I suspected. They are a little hard to find with some sites reporting that they have been discontinued. I found 6 sets on one site and ordered all of them.

 

[UP2CSX]

You can also make them pretty easily with some sheet styrene. These are the kinds of parts that are good to start practicing your scratchbuilding skills.

 

[cncproadwarrior]

I have made several sets but I find it too hard with those small pieces and my shaky hands.

 

[kjd]

P/N 363 is the scale version.

 

[malletman]

Keep in mind if you fill in the gap, you will need to body mount the couplers and remove the frame mounting pads. Filling in the gaps at both ends of an Athearn diesel makes it impossible to install the chassis with couplers mounted to the factory frame mounting pads. Mike

 

[MGWSY]

Thanks Mark. That's what I suspected. They are a little hard to find with some sites reporting that they have been discontinued. I found 6 sets on one site and ordered all of them.

For Details West stuff you can order direct from the owner, Paul. He is very easy to deal with and you get the items quickly. He will let you know when and if a part is discontinued or not.

 

[kjd]

Keep in mind if you fill in the gap, you will need to body mount the couplers and remove the frame mounting pads. Filling in the gaps at both ends of an Athearn diesel makes it impossible to install the chassis with couplers mounted to the factory frame mounting pads. Mike

I've done several different styles without removing the frame mount. I have to remove the couplers before the shell though. I like to keep the frame mount, long trains with several locos can exert a lot of force on a shell.