Q: I would like to know where to buy double-shelf couplers for HO scale tank cars. — Joseph Kuepfer
A: Before we look at what’s available in HO scale, let’s back up a step and learn what double-shelf couplers are. In his article “HO knuckle coupler guide” from the November 2007 Model Railroader, former Senior Editor Jim Hediger wrote, “In the 1980s, tank car safety concerns led to the addition of a top shelf, or hood, to the Type E and F [coupler] designs. This hood stops vertical separation of the couplers and prevents a derailed car’s coupler of any type from riding up and puncturing the head of the tank car. Double-shelf couplers are made with either Type E or F head contours.
“Tank cars were originally fitted with Type E couplers until Jan. 1, 1971, when the use of Type F interlocking couplers became mandatory,” Jim continued. “The Association of American Railroads adopted double-shelf Type F couplers as the standard for all hazardous-material tank cars in 1975, and existing hazardous cars had to be retrofitted by Jan. 1, 1979. By 1995, double-shelf couplers were mandatory on all tank cars in interchange service.”
There are a couple of options for double-shelf couplers in HO scale. Kadee Quality Product Co. produces metal SF (118) and SE (119) couplers. The whisker-style couplers, which include insulated 242 snap-together draft-gear boxes and lids, are sold in four-packs (two pairs) for $5.99.
I installed Kadee’s couplers on tank cars used on the Jones Island section of our former Milwaukee, Racine & Troy layout. Because of the upper shelf, it’s not possible to get a skewer or pencil between the knuckles to uncouple cars. A note on the Kadee packaging indicates that a 241 Dual Tool (sold separately) is required for manual uncoupling.
Athearn Trains, under the McHenry Couplers banner, offers plastic double-shelf couplers based on the AAR Type E prototype. A three-pack (MCH71) retails for $8.99, and a six-pack (MCH712) is priced at $15.99.
Send us your questions
Have a question about model trains, full-size trains, or toy trains? Send it to AskTrains@Trains.com.
