I have a brand new Atlas U36C locomotive (HO scale), which comes with factory-installed X2f couplers (the old NMRA standard type). I want to remove these couplers and install knuckle couplers (Kadee, McHenry, etc.). I have two questions: 1). how do I remove the X2f’s; there appears to be a plastic pin holding them in the coupler box and I’m not sure if it unscrews or simply is pulled out and; 2). What would be a suitable coupler for this; all of my other couplers are Kadee (mainly No. 5’s).
Your help will be appreciated, Thanks.
http://kadee.com/conv/holist.pdf
According to the Kadee conversion list, (the link above) the loco should take a #5.
As I recall, the Atlas loco has a friction pin fastener holding the coupler cover on. Carefully slip an exacto knife between the fastener and the lid, and gently pry the pin up. A pair of hemostats can then be used to pull the pin the rest of the way out.
I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m mistaken.
Rotor
Correct as stated above. Some Atlas use a metal pin that had a head that looks like a phillips screw but is just a friction pin. Remove as above.
You can replace the pins with 2/56 self tapping screws or use KD’s tap set to tap the holes and use machine screws.
BTW, that engine may have been “new” in the box, but it’s an older release if it had the X2F’s installed. They’re great runners, I have four of them that are now pushing 10 years old and still run smooth as silk.
Thanks for the information, guys, i appreciate it.
Yes “51” that is an old release. A fellow MRR friend deals in buying and selling complete inventories of stores and/or just individuals that have alot of stuff (estate sales, etc.). This one was from the estate of a MRR store owner locally who passed away about two years ago.