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Engines / Rolling Stock
Paint them Kadee Couplers
Oct 13, 2010
By David Maynard |
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Then one night on the chat line I got a compliment on how I weathered my couplers. So I thought that maybe that would make a good article.
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In my Kadee coupler order I received a flier asking for an article about how I do my couplers. Since I just install the couplers according to the directions in the package, and of course set them to the proper height with the Kadee height gauge I didn't think that I could offer any useful information.  Then one night on the chat line I got a compliment on how I weathered my couplers. So I thought that maybe that would make a good article so lets see how I do it.
I first assemble the coupler according to the directions, and then I mask the mating part of the coupler, both inside and on the face.  This is so that the paint doesn't create a rough surface to interfere with the operation of the coupler. Then I clip the coupler into my homemade holder to spray paint it.  The holder is a scrap piece of Plexiglas with a modified clothespin screwed to it. Since I haven't installed the ventilation for my new paint booth yet, I go outside and spray the coupler with a base coat if Krylon Ruddy Brown Primer, my favorite color for rust.
 I make sure I coat the whole coupler with a uniform coat of paint, but I am also careful to make sure that I don't get it on so heavy that it prevents movement of the parts.  While the paint is still drying I dust the coupler with an uneven spatter of Krylon Ultra Flat Black. This tones down the brown color, and gives the look of grease and grime. When the paint is dry, I remove the masking tape.
 Then mount and shim the coupler so it mates properly with the height gauge.  As a finishing touch I paint the wire that imitates the air hose a flat black, or charcoal color. Since I am careful to apply the paint thin enough so that it doesn't prevent movement of the parts, this treatment hasn't caused me any problems with coupling or uncoupling. Now I just need to weather my log cars to complete the look.   
| Painting Kadee Couplers |
| David: Nice article and pics. We must think alike on this one, as this is just how I do mine. Jim |
| Jim O'Connor - 10/13/2010 - 10:42 |
| Great minds |
| Jim great minds think alike. I do not like the look of shiny plastic on my models, I prefer the look of grime and rust, even if it is only just paint. Thanks Jim |
| David A. Maynard - 10/13/2010 - 14:09 |
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