<html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <style type="text/css" style="display:none;"></style> </head> <body dir="ltr"> <div id="divtagdefaultwrapper" style="font-size:12pt;color:#000000;font-family:Calibri,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" dir="ltr"> Attention Members - if you own the Proto 2000 SD7 or SD9 models that were released back in the late 1990's or early 2000's (before Walthers took them over) and you are dissatisfied with the look and function of that coupler design, well, there is good news, I've designed a new coupler mount and coupler box that achieves a more realistic look. <div><br> </div> <div>This involves cutting off the funky Chinese designed counter mount, fabricating a new mount created from brass stock and secured to the frame with 1.6mm screws, then a new coupler box is 3D printed - 2 parts box and lid and is attached to the mount with 2mm screw. </div> <div><br> </div> <div>There is a minor shell modification needed to remove the simulated draft gear shelf on the pilot - the little extension with the rounded front. That piece comes off because it is provided for as part of the coupler box.</div> <div><br> </div> <div>In the attached images, you can see the new design. The coupler is a Kadee scale head, short length and is fully functional. The front/rear MU hose box/steps were replaced with a better detail part from Atlas. </div> <div><br> </div> <div>The 3D printer I'm using at home is low resolution type, good for making prototype parts to check your design in Solidworks. One improvement would be to get these printed on a high resolution printer. </div> <div><br> </div> <div>At this point, this is a huge improvement over the Chinese design, it provides better "close coupling" for multiple units and looks more like the real thing.</div> <div><br> </div> <div>If you happen to have the Southern Pacific or Union Pacific models and lost interest in these because of the weird looking coupler design, this is a way to get past that. These models run well once you clean out the peanut butter lub they came with from the factory and with DCC programming can be made to move very slowly.</div> <div><br> </div> <div>Now I'm working to get my Milwaukee Road models completed and I'm keeping a lookout on eBay because sometimes these models sell for $25-$35 in new condition. </div> <div><br> </div> <div>If you have these models and are interested let me know, perhaps we can setup a workshop in early 2017. </div> <div><br> </div> <div>Merry Christmas,</div> <div>Tony</div> <div><br> </div> <div><br> </div> <div> </div> </div> </body> </html>