Coupler problem and fix

[Eriediamond]

My experience with Lionel is limited to what I had as a kid. The couplers back then were metal and activated by a pick-up shoe. I recently purchased a starter set for my grandson and was really impressed with the new stuff. However we had a problem with one of the cars derailing when going into a curve. The problem-- coupler closed to tight and would not allow movement. We drove almost two hours to a Lionel repair shop, thinking we could get it fixed or the car replaced. Not to be-- they told me it worked fine and gave the impression they did not want to be bothered with my problem. So I could see the problem and got out my jewelers files and filed the inside of the opening knuckle. The car now runs fine, but still has to be manually slammed to get the knuckle to close and lock. I could have bought a new truck and coupler, but I'm just hard headed and felt Lionel should have stood behind it. Has anyone else had this problem?

[KRM]

I have seen that as well on the newer cars I have running on 027 track. If newer is 1970 to 1975.

Like you most of my cars are post war before 1969.

I have had problems with Penn Central Operating Timber Transport flatcar # 9300 with the coupler coming un-hooked when pulling other cars and I have two of them and they both as well as 6-16604 timber car come un-hooked so I had to glue the couplers to keep them from opening up.

Also I have a brand new 1992 LRRC GP-38 Diesel Engine and the first and only time I ran it its coupler unhooks as well. I don’t want to glue it so anyone else that has seen this or has a fix, I would sure like to know what you have done.

Tks,

Kevin

[gunrunnerjohn]

There can be a number of reasons why a coupler opens at the wrong time, I suspect most would have to examine it to see what the issue is.

 

FWIW, instead of gluing them, try putting a small rubber band or twist-tie around them, less permanent.