Close Coupling Bachmann Baldwin RF16s (Sharks)

Greetings All,

It's official. I've succumbed to another model railroading disorder. Obsessive Draw Bar Installations or O.D.B.I. It seems I cannot look at any of my cab unit models with wide spaces between them without it bothering me to the point that they must be coupled closer. To achieve this goal I keep turning to my old friend the draw bar. 

The latest episode involves three sets of Bachmann RF16s. After putting an A-B-A NYC consist on the layout my eyes were immediately drawn to the gaps between the units. A probable catalyst for this is that there was a recently draw bar equipped A-B-A F7 consist also on the layout.

Let's take a look at my latest case of O.B.D.I.;

B&O A-B set of Bachmann RF16s using factory equipped knuckle couplers

Distance between units is about 3/4"

The solution; A draw bar! The below draw bar is from a P-1000 subway car set. Looks promising for this application!   

I've removed the couplers and covers. On the left I put two washers between the sleeve and draw bar to keep the draw bar from drooping too much. On the right I have inserted the factory screw back into the coupler box.                                                                   

With the draw bar attached. Much better!

 Space between units is now about 1/2"

 Why stop with the B&O! PRR RF16s now draw bar equipped

Installation is the same. I'll spray paint the washers down the road to make them almost invisible.

NYC A-B-A Sharks  swim close coupled over the Empire City viaduct.

Just enough clearance for the minimum 22" radius curves on the inside track.

Over on the East Side by Ralph's Grocery Warehouse the A-B-A set of Baldwin RF16s has a Baldwin S12 tagging along. The S12 is on it's way to the shop for it's 30 day inspection. I saw something similar to this in either a book or video so thought I'd give it a try here. 

Having S12 #9881 in the consist going for it's 30 day inspection allows me to mask my other model railroading disorder. 

Obsessive Track Cleaning Disorder!

  Thanks for Reading!!!