How do you change out wheelsets and or couplers on N rolling stock? Does the whole wheelset just pop off? Is there a snap ring holding it (I see no screws). Is it worth trying to switch out a coupler on this size? I see no obvious method and I’m hesitant to force what looks to be delicate stuff.
I have several different brands and they all look similar underneath.
Sorry if this is too basic or has been covered before.
Thanks.
Yes, you can pop off the entire wheel set. Most N scale trucks are held in place with a bolster pin. While holding on to the car with one hand, gently squeeze the truck side frames with your thumb and middle finger, while using your first finger to hold the pin in place. This keeps from distorting the trucks themselves. Gently rock the trucks side-to-side until they loosen up and it comes off.
As for couplers, the old standard used to be Rapido. These may have been reliable, but are way oversized and don’t give you the ability to use magnetic uncoupling. Almost all N scale cars now come with knuckle couplers with Micro Trains and McHenry being the most popular. I personally prefer the MT ones, but have had no problems with the other brand.
The easiest swap is to pull off the old trucks and replace the entire truck/coupler with a knuckle coupler attached to the trucks, If you want a more prototypical look, you can pull off your old trucks, and use body-mount couplers (I am only aware of MT offering body mount couplers, but there may be others). Take the original trucks, cut off the attached coupler housing, and re-install.
One thing you will want to keep in mind is if you have somewhat tight curves (11 inch radius or less), you will not want to mix body-mount with truck mount couplers. They follow a different centerline when going through a curve, and if the curve is tight enough the body mount car will pull the truck-mount car off the track.
I hope this helps.
Scott
Thanks…that’s exactly what I was looking for.
Mark
when i change the trucks i sometimes have to use a small screwdriver between the truck and the car frame , putting it in from the side of the car and twisting it just a little to free the bolster pin… I have used mirco train couplers from when they were Kaddees and love them… I have not had luck mixing them with other knuckler couplers cause i do use the between the track magnets …