Questions about replacing couplers

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I would like to replace my ‘N’ scale rapido couplers with knuckle couplers. I have a couple of questions. [?][?]

  1. The coupler I hear about most often is Kadee. Are they compatible with Kato and/or Atlas AcuMate knuckle couplers?

  2. Is there a standard step by step procedure to follow when replacing couplers, or is it all pretty much trial and error?

Thanks [:)]

2

I believe you want www.micro-trains.com for the equivalent in N scale knuckles.

3

RT,The Mirco Train coupler is the N scale versions of the HO KD coupler.The MT coupler is what the majority of N scalers use…Most change out the trucks on freight cars with the MT trucks that comes with the coupler already mounted and most of the quality N scale locomotives its just a matter of removing the rapido couplers and replacing them with the MTs that come in the coupler boxes…You will need to use a .00-90 screw to hold the coupler box in place…Thankfully the holes are predrilled. Now some advance N scalers are body mounting their MT couplers on their freight cars by using the MTs that comes installed in coupler boxes.

4

Yes, the Kato and Accumate couplers are compatible with MT couplers. The Kato and Accumate won’t work with uncoupling magnets, and delayed uncoupling, but they do couple with MT couplers.

—jps

5

Thanks guys. That information helps a lot!

[bow]

6

Hey Jerry, if I remember correctly, most of the couplers are mounted to the trucks in N. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easy way is more expensive, but the results may be the very best. Just buy the Kadee trucks with the couplers mounted, pull the pin on the old ones and put on the new ones. Another option is to buy the pre assembled coupler only, but then you have to mess around mounting it to the old truck. If you want to switch to body mount, you’ll want to do them all that way. The problem is with tight curves you could have more trouble. Why don’t you give me a call if you still have my number. If you don’t have it just email me. I can also give you tips on painting if you want.