By Jon C.A. DeKeles

Author  Bio Once you have mastered getting your trains to run, the next step is to keep them running together. I am sure we have all made the mad dash across the yard to keep our engine from smashing into the end of the train that came off while our mind was somewhere else.

Once you have mastered getting your trains to run, the next step is to keep them running together. I am sure we have all made the mad dash across the yard to keep our engine from smashing into the end of the train that came off while our mind was somewhere else. One important tool in helping to keep your couplers coupled is a coupler height gauge. Kadee makes one that comes in two flavors. Why? Because Kadee Couplers come in two flavors. Kadee #1 style couplers are made in 1:32 scale. Their G style couplers are 1:24 scale. What this means is that the #1 couplers are smaller in size than the G style. Some people use #1 couplers on their rolling stock as they feel the smaller size looks more prototypical. But, more of that in our future articles. The #880 is for G scale and the #820 is for # 1 scale. This is a multi-purpose tool. It's main job is to help you determine if the couplers on your trains are at a standard height. It is also a gauge to check your track width, as well as check your wheelsets for proper gauge as well. Plus, it can act as a mounting jig for installing the Kadee #842 uncoupler in your track. The Kadee Coupler Guide is very easy to put together. The instructions are very detailed and very easy to follow. Take a look at these easy steps below. The packet contains everything you need. Remove all the parts from the bag and compare them to the instruction list that is included with the packet. You will install the center spring in the coupler slot. This is hard in HO scale, but easy in G Scale. You might use a screwdriver or tweezer to help. You now secure the coupler gear box to the upper section of the Kadee Height Gauge. Just align the pegs to the holes and secure the bolt and nut. All you do is align the holes in the metal plate with the locator pins on the bottom of the height guide and screw and nut to secure. To complete the unit just attached the coupler arm to the base with one bolt. The Kadee Height Gauge is design to test Kadee couplers, but can be used to check other manufacturers couplers as well. To use as a track width gauge, place the gauge on its side in between the rails. You can check your rolling stock wheelsets. If the wheels pass through the slots freely you are OK. If they hit on the inside or the outside of slots the width of the wheelset will need to be corrected. Gauge A Few points about the KaDee gauge. The wheel gauge on mine seams to be a bit wider then the recommended distance for back to back on the wheels. I did buy my gauge several years ago so maybe the new gauges are at the proper spacing. I was comparing my trip pins to the KaDee gauge and thought since they matched up they were fine. I have since come to find out the pin on the gauge is low as were many of the trip pins on my rolling stock. I now use a 1/8 inch thick piece of wood as a go-no go gauge for the trip pins. Low pins can snag on turnouts and crossings. I keep my gauge and 2 pieces of Bachmann track next to my workbench to check all cars that come thorough my workshop, no matter why they were shopped. Couplers can work loose and sag over time so rechecking them from time to time is a good idea. David A. Maynard - 10/20/2010 - 15:57 Great Investment After you get the track work right, the Kadee couple gauge is one of your best investments if you want dependable, realistic looking operations out of your trains. Rick Henderson - 10/21/2010 - 05:40 Top of Page