[xx(] Okay, I’m not goin’ “nutzso” but I’am having trouble changing the old rapido couplers to the magnetic knukle couplers,[:o)] What is the best way to do this, I have a old GP40 SANTA FE made by “life like” and a “high nose” GP50 UP made by “bachmann” any help will do.
Let me know, your MRXR breveren TrainRMe[8D]
I’ve done that many times. Buying the preassembled couplers helps. Also do the work over a box or something. When one of those little springs lands in the carpet, especially if it is autumn colors, that baby is lost forever. On newer engines which have body mount pockets, use the 1015s. They are worth the extra money. On my freight cars, I changed out the old trucks for mictotrain trucks. The wheels on the microtrains trucks roll more easily and smoothly than many stock trucks so you aren’t just wasting money.
I used to work for an N scale specialist. Micro trains is the way to go. They have a catalog to tell you which set to use and a how to to install.
I have trouble enough with H.O. N is just to small for my clumsy fingers. Best of luck.
Flip
The “best” way to change the couplers is to replace the trucks and wheelsets at the same time, by buying the Microtrain talgo truck/coupler sets. Not only will you end up with the better couplers, but better rolling cars as well. They ain’t cheap though ($45-$50 for 10 cars’ worth)
I agree that changing the trucks and couplers is the way to go, on freight cars that is. Unfortunately TrainsRMe is trying to change them on locomotives.
Welcome to one of the most frustrating parts of modeling in N scale.
Any chance you can pay your LHS to install them? That’s what I’d do if I were close to one.
Regards
Ed
I’m not poor, but I am cheap. When I’m changing over a loco, though, it is so much better to go to the online Microtrains catalog and order the right coupler for it. I started out by changing over to all body-mount couplers, using the assemble-it-yourself couplers.Later I discovered that my cars would operate so much better with Micro-train trucks, so now I’ve got a mix. This is probably common knowledge, but an Exacto knife with a #11 blade is a pretty good tool for handling the springs in the do-it-yourself kits. Also, I agree: work in a box, preferably with a small lip on the open side. Have plenty of light and lots of patience. Good luck!
Sounds like you are trying to convert old, cheap & poor locomotives. Time to give them a rest. Don’t buy anymore junk! Buy Atlas, Kato, Lifelike, Microtrains, etc that have already been converted! Most of the new diesels come with a simple clip that’s easy to change.
i’d keep a close eye on what the new Atlas Trainman series means for Nscale. Hopefully, they will continue the trend of equiping all new cars with Accumates.