I just opened my brand new PROTO 2000 FMIX H10-44 HO scale and cannot seem to figure out how to mount the couplers. I have assembled many Proto kits and I cannot seem to get the coupler box aligned for the scews with this kit. In fact the coupler box does not want to fit into the area where it chould be located! Any tips?
OK, I just got mine today from Trainworld. It’s not a bad job, but there are a couple of gotchas.
First, I would recommend not using the couplers provided. Use Kadee #5 or #58. The supplied ones with mine are plastic, and they will break, sooner or later. Then, you’ll have to do this all over again.
Support the engine upside down. Place the box part of the coupler assembly on your bench, and put the spring into it. Next, put the coupler in, upside down with the trip pin facing up. Align the flat cover. Note that the cover is not symmetrical, so it only goes on one way, but it’s pretty obvious. Hold this whole assembly together and slide it in from the end of the engine. Right, mine didn’t quite fit either. If you start it tilted to one side just a bit, though, it will go in and then you can flatten it out. Don’t push it all the way in, though. There’s a coupler release wire detail that runs across the ends of the engine. You need to lift that up a bit with a screwdriver, and then the whole box will slide in. After that, put the screw in and do the other one.