AN AMERICAN FLYER® REPAIR CLINIC
From Port Lines Hobbies
AN AMERICAN FLYER® REPAIR CLINIC
From Port Lines Hobbies
We frequently get asked about converting a 370 GP7 to knuckle couplers. Here's the method to do so.
(1) The metal endsteps on both ends just unscrew (2 screws on the cab deck) and are removable, along with the fences.
(2) Replacement endsteps (about $6 each) screw back on in their place. These are just like the ends that were on the later KC GPs. You can then swap your end fences to these new step units, or put replacement fences ($3.75 each) on the new ends..........it really depends how the fences are attached to your endsteps. Some were screwed on; if so, that's an easy swap. Some were peened on over two small protrusions; those can be swapped by popping them off and gluing them on the new steps.........but I usually recommend against that. Keep the originals all intact, in case you want to return the engine to original condition at some future time.
(3) The LC sideframe assemblies then have to be replaced with KC sideframe assemblies. The problem is in obtaining these at a reasonable cost. The cast sideframes are individually available, but not complete with the sheet-metal bracket to which they attach. Therefore, an alternative is to attach a KC bracket such as is used on an 0-8-0 to the end of your existing LC sideframe assembly. You can then attach a KC and centering leaf-spring to it, just as is done on the 0-8-0 front end. . To do so, you may need to snip the ends of the centering leaf-spring a wee bit shorter than normal to keep them in place. I usually do so, and then add a tiny spot of Super-Glue as well, to hold the ends of the leaf-spring in the slots.
The BIG challenge is "How to attach that KC bracket to the sideframe assembly?" Glues---even SuperGlue or epoxy---- will not hold up well to the stress of operation. We now recommend that you mail us your LC sideframe assembly, and we will rivet the bracket in place, and return it to you. If you have access to a small spot-welder, you might try that instead.
Your conversion is then complete.
Note that ALL of the above costs can be reduced by 50% if you only convert ONE end of the engine! That also gives you the ability to run the engine with either LC or KC cars!
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