I need basic training on couplers. I know there are rapido and knuckle couplers, but that’s it for my knowledge on couplers. I would like to replace the rapido couplers on my N scale rolling stock with knuckle couplers. More urgently, I would like to fix the couplers (yes, both ends) on my new Atlas (Accumate) caboose that I pulled out when I was tring to bend the little wire that comes out of it so it would quit catching on the frogs on my turnouts. I tried putting them back in but one just flops around and dangles too low to couple and I guess I somehow broke the knuckle on the other end.
But, I want to learn how to do this by reading about it and then trying it. I’ve looked at the Micro-Trains sites and it’s conversion charts but it seems unrelated to fixing my caboose. Where should I go to start studying this?
Back in my HO days there was (Probably still is) a special pair of pliers available for adjusting trip pins on knuckle couplers. I don’t know if the same pliers were small enough for “N” scale or not, but just using needle nose pliers to try to bend the trip pins can, as you seem to have found out, damamge the couplers.
Look at micromark.com They carry the special coupler pliers. You can see if they work for N scale there or call their phone #. They work great on HO anyway but you can see what they look like. Hopefully an N scaler will respond soon.
Not trying to be a wise guy but…That will depend if you want truck or body mounted couplers…
As far as your caboose problem…Rather then fussing with building a MT coupler I would remove the Atlas coupler box and use the 1015 assembled coupler and its box…
On my caboose the “box” is really a lid with two pins that fit into twomounting posts that are a permanent part of the undercarriage. I looked at the 1015 MTL assembled model and it has a box which I don’t see how to mount flush because of these posts?
Will he have to drill & tap for those small mounting screws?
I am just getting into this for the HOn30 narrow gauge at Boothbay, and just had a look at the instructions on a factory made Micro Trains coupler. That tap seems really small.
I haven’t seen it mentioned yet but if you are going to go the N scale body mount coupler route be sure to get the Microtrains height gage. MT1055. It comes with a thin piece of steel that will help you set your pins at a height where they won’t contact the frogs and switches. The instructions are good. I also bought the Microtrains tap and drill set for my pin vise.
A Xuron cutter for plastic and a small file set will take care of any surgical needs. Always cut a little at a time and test fit frequently! But I would not try to body mount couplers without the MT1055 gage to help you get your coupler height just right.
Depending on what level of assembly or surgery, or if you are going to rebuild your coupler box, I would suggest running some fine thread or monofilament fishing line through the spring any time you work on any coupler until you are done. This will act as a safety when the spring tries to launch itself. From past experience I say when, not if.
Micro Trains also makes a coupler height gauge similar to the Kadee HO gauge. In addition to checking coupler height, it can be used to measure the height of the coupler mounting pad to ensure the coupler is at the correct height when installed. http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/489-1055
I have another suggestion, that won’t require surgery but rather utilizing the existing coupler pocket. the MTL Minitrix F9/con cor E unit conversion kit that has T shank style couplers that can be used it’s just a pain to get them to stay together during assembly.
I want to report successful N scale caboose surgery (my first) transplanting a MTL 1015 assembled coupler in place of the broken accumate Atlas coupler. A careful touch with the Dremel grinding cone attachment, drill and tap and it was done. The hardest part was to stop my hand from shaking while trying to screw the tiny little SOB down. Thanks for all the guidance guys,
Bob,If you don’t already have one I highly recommend buying a three prong holder.These are IMHO the best tiny screw holder/starter money can buy.I use mine every time I need to start a screw in a coupler box.