An N-Possible journal

[bbussey]

The ESM GSC Well Car

These cars have MTL offset shank couplers in an integrated box setup. On the surface of it, you might assume these are going to be a problematic conversion. While certainly not drop in, they’re considerably easier to convert then you might assume with the new TBX topless box.

These cars snap together, with the inner metal cast section snapping into the plastic body.

That should make Bryan happy to see!  What an improved end sill appearance.

Very cool.

Yes, the model is snap-fit all around. It was designed to be tooled and produced in Oregon. But the estimated tooling and production costs were prohibitive, so I shifted the project to China.

[Jimbo]

The steamers I am trying to figure out how to convert are the Bachmann 2-8-0 and 4-6-0.  The both have dummy couplers (that are at least a bit oversized).

Gotcha!

OK, I have both of these models.  The 4-6-0 is currently on my workbench (at least the pilot is) and I thought it would be as simple as the 2-6-0.  But it’s different enough to cause me to pause.  I’ll take another stab at it this weekend.

I fully understand the challenge with the 2-8-0.  This will require enlarging the coupler opening as you noted; @turbowhiz has done one and his website makes reference to an installation instruction coming soon.  Glad to know I’m not the only one eagerly waiting for this!

For each of these two locos, I purchased spare pilots from Bachmann so I’d have something to experiment with.  This gives me more confidence to try things that I might hesitate to try without this “safety net.”

Keep us abreast on what you learn; together, we’ll get these figured out!

Sincerely,
Jim

[Maletrain]

I purchased extra pilots for those 2 as well.  Same reason.  But I have more than one of each loco, and only one extra pilot apiece.  Glad to know others are working on it.  Those 2 locos seem to be steadily available from Bachmann, now with sound as well as DCC, so there are probably a lot of users, but not clear how many would be interested in converting to Npossible couplers. 

Getting the Npossibles out in public view at train displays is a good way to push them towards mainstream adoption.

[GaryHinshaw]

As the number of types of boxes grows, it would be helpful if the CAD drawings for the different types of boxes, hats, etc. were collected and made available at the beginning of this thread.

I have added a section to the OP linking to various drawings that are available, some here and some on the N-P web site.   @turbowhiz I'm not aware of an SBX drawing anywhere.  Perhaps its lurking somewhere on your site or here?  In general I am trying to keep the index in the OP up to date as new projects are posted.

We’re gonna need a bigger box!

That is some next-level organizational mojo!

[crrcoal]

Anyone tackled a Bachmann/Life-Like North Eastern caboose yet?

[turbowhiz]

Bachmann 2-8-0 Pilot

This isn’t exactly an “easy” install, but it’s not that difficult either. Easier I’d say then hacking in a MTL type coupler.

I’m using a 201-SBX as the base part here. Medium length coupler, SBX box modified to function.

Keep in mind you don’t need the whole box for an NP install. You can entirely omit the top… all you need to do is to file down the post of the box bottom so it’s effectively level with the coupler top. No top also means no sides. You can also trim the forward section off the bottom off too… you only need the post and the splitter, so with a little creativity you can install a NP coupler where no other design will work.

Comparison of the stock and NP equipped Bachmann 2-8-0. Not only does the NP look better, it’s fully functional. Win win!



Remove the stock pilot from the locomotive.
Stock "box" section filed out a tad... Didn't take much though.



Coupler worked into the slot... It was done shank at a time, not as an assembly! I mounted the spring in place here...



Box bottom then added.... Note its trimmed at the front, and the center post is subtly filed down, since there is no top.



The leading wheel needs to be trimmed for clearance. The top retaining clip needs to be removed and some forward clearance milled. I glued the bottom half of the original clip (tire glue) and it held just fine.



Comparison between stock and trimmed



Underside view:




Finished Result...


Perfect height

[cjm413]

Anyone tackled a Bachmann/Life-Like North Eastern caboose yet?

Bachmann has a coupler box and theoretically would use URS.

The LL caboose rides as high as a monster truck and would be pretty hard to "tackle" for that reason 

First step would be to lower it back down to Earth and then reevaluate the surface under the steps unless there is a forthcoming SSS series (for Sunday! Sunday! Sundaaayyy!!!) that hasn't been announced yet....

[cjm413]

N-Possible Acronym Decoder List

Because I have an IT background, the acronyms are probably coming from there. That said, I think they’re more indicative than just assigning part numbers.

Launch Boxes
SBX (Scale BoX) -> The original short length scale sized box
URS (Universal Retrofit Shim) -> Conversion of existing boxes by means of the supplied Universal Retrofit Shim

New Boxes
LBX (Locomotive BoX) -> 1015 type box, appropriate for box replacement conversions in locomotives where the SBX doesn’t make sense. Supplied with two lids, one of which is thin and ideal for many Kato locomotives and the other is for direct 1015 replacements, i.e. Atlas. Also very useful for passenger car conversions or other long cars where additional coupler swing is beneficial.
TBX (Topless BoX) -> Similar to the LBX, but designed with no top at all, meant for flush to floor installs but also other Kato locomotives as well. Meant to be used where offset shank (2001/2004) MTL couplers are used.
SBM (Scale Box Medium) -> Scalebox lengthened to match the length of 200 series couplers
SBL (Scale Box Long) -> Scalebox lengthened to match the length of 300 series couplers
All of the new boxes use identical coupler parts to the SBX line.

Couplers:
100 Series Short
(101) short shank Type E

200 Series Medium
(201) Medium Shank Type E

300 Series Long shank
(301) Long Shank Type E

Yes, one can infer that different head styles are being accounted for.

The kit supplied URS couplers have extension posts on the retainer shank, but are otherwise identical.

The kits then combine the coupler and box code to make up the kit number, a combination of the supplied coupler and the supplied box/shim. The packages have a brief description spelled out.
I.e.
101-SBX (Short shank type E coupler, short length Scalebox)
201-URS (Medium Shank type E coupler, universal retrofit shim)
301-SBX (Long shank type E coupler, short length Scalebox)
301-SBL (Long Shank type E coupler, long length Scalebox)
101-LBX (Short Shank type E coupler, Locomotive Box)

I’m not planning on packaging the TBX and LBX with all of the shank lengths. If you need a longer shank coupler with the TBX or LBX then a standard 101 short shank, purchase a 201-SBX or 301-SBX and use the coupler there. You can use the TBX/LBX supplied short shank in the SBX box readily for another use case, as the 101-SBX has been the most commonly purchase part by a fair margin. Logically the SBM and SBL will be only supplied with the appropriate length couplers.

The future will bring about couplers and boxes being sold separately. The possible combinations are getting out of control very quickly as the product line expands, and with larger quantity packaging also in the works it’s just going to make way more sense to offer the parts separately. You can then easily mix/match to whatever use case makes the most sense for a given install.

Any consideration of a longer box that uses the short coupler?  Using a separate mounting hole (vs the same one that the coupler pivots on) allows one to make adjustments to the coupler box for "underslung" applications, e.g. mounting to the bottom of a tank car body instead of a flimsy platform, etc.

[Maletrain]

@turbowhiz  can you say more about how you opened the coupler shank slot in the Bachmann 2-8-0 pilot.  When I looked at mine compared to the gauge, it looked like I would need to open it more on the top than the bottom.  On the rear of that piece, there is a small vertical step upward from the slot opening that can be filled off.  Is filing that flat sufficient to get the NP coupler high enough?

Edit:  It also looks like the scale box bottom is glued to the underside of the pilot deck, instead of being attached with a screw (which would potentially have to go through the deck and be visible from the outside).  Did you fill the center post  hole with glue, too?  I guess that epoxy would make a pretty strong bond for the post, that way.  But, I would be concerned that it would leak out the bottom and catch the coupler shank loops, too.  And, if that coupler ever needs rework, I guess it would just be milled off to flat and start over, right?

[turbowhiz]

Key Imports (Samhongsa) NYC L-4B Mohawk

Even quality brass needs better couplers!

Oddly enough the factory dummy coupler is a hint under-scale. I can't think of too many examples of that happening, but here it is!



On this model, it was a simple “unscrew the factory dummy coupler” section and replace it with a 101-SBX. I trimmed the box profile to better match the dummy coupler section that was removed. I used a shorter M1.2 screw replacing the factory screw that ended up being too long, but ideally, I’d cut a new one to the perfect length, but this isn’t the final install on this engine. On my “Flex the NP design” to-do is a fully functional drop coupler for this model, its technically possible but I need to spend my time on more productive pursuits.



Tender side is a 201-SBX, with an extra trimmed had to shim it to the correct height.

[turbowhiz]

I have added a section to the OP linking to various drawings that are available, some here and some on the N-P web site.   @turbowhiz I'm not aware of an SBX drawing anywhere.  Perhaps its lurking somewhere on your site or here?

The SBX dimensions have been published on the site for a long while, in the SBX section.

SBX Dimensions
https://www.n-possible.com/sbx-box-replacement-series?pgid=mcum7kcp1-11e5e7e8-3ead-4772-b7d5-539f98d5e492

SBX Horizontal Clearance Dimensions
https://www.n-possible.com/sbx-box-replacement-series?pgid=mcum7kcp1-c30301c3-d9d3-4b25-b40e-9482b135a61e

SBX Hat to Rail Dimensions
https://www.n-possible.com/sbx-box-replacement-series?pgid=mcum7kcp1-2281640e-221a-4180-b6bd-98fe2547ffd6

SBX No Hat to rail Dimensions
https://www.n-possible.com/sbx-box-replacement-series?pgid=mcum7kcp1-c56c3726-5705-4c76-8773-6b1cdf7fce86

[GaryHinshaw]

^So right in front of my nose the whole time…   

[wmcbride]

Having looked at the installation lisiting at the beginning of this thread, I am grateful for all the hard work that has gone into producing the guides as to what fit for various cars and engines.

What surprises me is the small number of engine installations. What surprises me is the absence of stalwarts, like Kato SD70ACe, Atlas SD35s, Atlas C628/630s, ScaleTrains diesels of various types.

I could be experimenting on what works and posting it but my budget is limited and I am a better follower than trailblazer.

[cjm413]

Having looked at the installation lisiting at the beginning of this thread, I am grateful for all the hard work that has gone into producing the guides as to what fit for various cars and engines.

What surprises me is the small number of engine installations. What surprises me is the absence of stalwarts, like Kato SD70ACe, Atlas SD35s, Atlas C628/630s, ScaleTrains diesels of various types.

I could be experimenting on what works and posting it but my budget is limited and I am a better follower than trailblazer.

That is likely due to the fact that the locomotive box hasn't been released yet.  The Atlas locomotives that you mention should accept MTL True Scale couplers that I understand to be operationally compatible (albeit a bit stubborn) with N Possible couplers.

[GaryHinshaw]

What surprises me is the small number of engine installations. What surprises me is the absence of stalwarts, like Kato SD70ACe, Atlas SD35s, Atlas C628/630s, ScaleTrains diesels of various types.

I will post a bunch of Kato diesel examples (mostly 6-axle road units) and a few Atlas ones, once the loco boxes are released.  I'm holding off until then to make sure there are no important differences between the production versions and the preproduction versions I am currently using.