What are these called and why can't I find them anywhere??

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1



Repairng a covered hopper. I don’t even know what brand the hopper is, all I know is I need one of these clippy-holds-the-coupler-onto-the-car things, I don’t know what the name of it is, and my local shop doesn’t have any of them. Is there a more proper name for these other than “clippy-holds-the-coupler-onto-the-car-things”, and does anyone know where I can find them?

Help please?

2

Athearn “metal coupler cover”. Part number 90602. MSRP $3 for a 12 pack.

3

Not exactly sure what they are officiallyc called, but they are from Athearn blue box kits. Probbaly coupler clips. Try Athearn parts department.

4

Could you be a little more specific please…[bow]

Thank you!!!

5

Here is one of the best on line Athearn parts source.

http://www.1stplacehobbies.com/superdetail.asp?sc=H&mfg=140&keys=&walthers=&sp=1&cp=1&lid=0

http://www.1stplacehobbies.com/cgi-bin/prod.asp?pn=140-90602

If you have a local hobby shop your dealer can order the coupler clips from Horizon.

6

If the coupler pocket is intact, it is by far easiest to purchase a replacement coupler cover and pop it on. If the coupler pocket is broken so that the clip won’t stay on, you can surgically remove the existing pocket structure with a flat file and install a Kadee No 5 coupler box, coupler spring, and metal coupler. Just file down the sides and rear of the existing pocket. assemble the Kadee parts, and either superglue or (better) drill a hole in the the car and install the Kadee assembly with a 2-56 screw. You can use a tap to thread the hole, but the screws will also self-tap into the plastic without too much grief. Kadee also has No. 148 (I think) whisker couplers that avoid the flat brass No. 5 spring. These work fine, may need a shim so they don’t flop up and down, and are easier to assemble.

Add some nice metal wheels and Kadee couplers, and you’ve got yourself a nice car!

Jim

7

To add to what Jim said,you can drill a hole for a 2-56 screw and fasten the coupler clip to the Athearn coupler box with a 2-56 screw.

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8

Whats great about the hobby is the your local LHS, when asked for “clippy-holds-the-coupler-onto-the-car-things”, would know exacly what you want. [swg]

9

Practically any local hobby shop that sells Athearn products should have these snap-on coupler box covers in stock. I have found it is sometimes necessary to mash the sides in slightly at the point where the cover snaps over the lugs on the car body so it will fit tighter.