Hi GIZ,
I have two Lionel Steamers that I would like to lashup using TMCC. I understand how the TMCC works having done this with deisels. My question is with steamer front couplers do I need to change the prototypical one to a regular toy train knuckle coupler?
Thanks,
laz57
Laz, instead of changing out couplers, could you use a black zip tie to hook them together? Then you could just snip it when you’re finished. Just a suggestion. Probably a pretty dumb one.
Jim
Laz: Jim has a good idea there I think ! I would make sure they both start out as even as possible, so they don’t bang each other ! Also, I do remember an article or post last year, somewhere, where they were lashing up steam engines, & they even had pictures & told how it was done. I wish I had that now, but maybe someone else remembers it & can get it to you.
This may not help !! [:D][:D]
THANKS, JIM, makes sense to me.
better then replacing the coupler.
laz57
Laz, if the pilot coupler is a true scale working coupler it may be easier to get a scale coupler to replace the one on the lead engines tender. They are more run of the mill where the pilot coupler may be special, especially if one didn’t come with the engine.
There were two companion articles, titled “Doublehead those steamers!”, on page 86 of the January, 1999, CTT on how to add front couplers in ways that did not permanently alter the locomotives.
Laz, I do almost what Jim suggests to lash up two non-TMCC engines - which will be jockeying back and forth a bit more than those with TMCC. I used twisty-ties that come with plastic bags. Though since I’ve not been good about replacing them - and they are almost invisible hair-like metal that will cause a short when they fall off - so I’m experimenting with other solutions - like yarn!
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’,
Keep them cars a rollin’,
Through rain and wind and weather,
Hell bent for leather,
Wishin’ my gal was by my side.
All the things I’m missin’,
Good vittles, love, and kissin’,
Are all waitin at the end of my ride.
Move 'em out, lash em up,
Lash 'em up, move 'em on,
Move 'em out, lash 'em up,
Lionel Ride.
So Paul, you’re saying you use strips of rawhide to lash engines together?
Doug, LOL
First I “rope an’ throw an’ brand 'em” with my Lionel branding iron. No decals or rubber stamping for me. I want a permanent marking. Then I take an old rawhide bootlace and lash 'em up!
'scuse me now, my gal just rustled up some vittles.
Thanks GIZ,
All sounds like a great way to make em go.
PAUL now i like that ideaer we just need a COWGIRL with that rawhide, OUCH!
laz57
Paul, [bow] ROFLMAO
[#ditto][#ditto][#ditto]
Funniest thing I’ve read in a long time. My hat is off to you Paul.
[bow][bow][bow]
Mitch
laz,
suggestion-make sure that the engines are compatibable-what i mean is that the gearing is alike and the mph will be the same-i have found out that a premier mth engine will not be compatible with a railking engine even sometimes the size of the engine’s wheels
THANKS TOM TARAS, I didn’t even think of that good point.
laz57
I only read a few suggestions so far, but I recall a reading a story about some one doing this with post war engines were he made a attachment with a coupler (lionel). I think the article was in CTT 2 years ago???
Maybe check with CTT staff for help finding the issue in question. In the mean time I’ll make a mental note [D)] and try to find it.
Jim D.
a.k.a. SOCKO
As I posted above, there were two companion articles, titled “Doublehead those steamers!”, on page 86 of the January, 1999, CTT on how to add front couplers in ways that did not permanently alter the locomotives.
Thanks BOB, I’ll check it out.
laz57
Laz,
As I recall, you can make a piece of brass that you bend to make some tabs. Depending on the way the front of your steam engine’s front is designed, you can either come from behind and go over, or under the cow catcher front and attach a new coupler to the brass at the height of the lead tender’s coupler. The back of the brass plate was attached to the screws from the pilot truck on the post war engine as I remember. I hope you can picture this in your mind.
Dennis
Thanks Dennis I’ll give it a try. Bending the brass and fitting ot behind the cow catcher should work.
laz57