Lionel coupler problem

[yougottawanta]

Brianel - Do you have any photos of your method ? Like your tag line !

Big Al - I am pulling 7 cars all related to the polar express.

KRM - Not sure how to answer. It is the all plastic version I believe it was the first set to come out after the movie.

YGW

[Michael6268]

In lionels maintenance videos they tell you to bend and hold the plastic arm up for a few with needle nose pliers and it will be enough to increase the upward tension. 

[fifedog]

On some of my postwar rolling stock, I've been able to slip the "thumb tack" above the end axel, which will prohibit the coupler from opening. 

I experienced the same coupler problem with our Gingerbread docksider, and was disappointed with the quality.  But, a simple wrap with a small black rubber band did fix the uncoupling issue.

I will have to try brianel's method. Stop by more often b027.

 

[brianel027]

I prefer to allow the couplers to continue to be operational. For me as a last resort, I've used small black rubber bands that you can buy in the girls hair departments of most stores. You get a bag of several hundred, which also makes a pretty cool load for an empty gondola car.

But there's another method which I have gotten very good at. You simply remove the entire plastic coupler armature, heat it up, give it a bend upward and then blow on it to cool it quickly.

I've used a hair blow drier, but have also gotten real good at using a cigarette lighter to do the job. Usually the bend (depending on the type and manufacturer of the plastic truck) can be made between the end point where the armature inserts into the truck and where the thumbtack piece is.

You don't want to heat it too much, as you don't want to melt the plastic - which is easily done. It doesn't take too much heat or too long a time to do this. But again, you want to blow on it right away to retain the bend in the plastic armature.

Insert the armature back into the truck, and now you have no more unwanted uncoupling while still being able to have an operating coupler.

Works everytime for me.

[BigAl 956]

yougottawanta

Question : Has the coupler just gotten weak and needs to be replaced ? OR Is it possible that I need to replace it with a coupler that is stronger and can hold the pull of six or more cars ?

Answers: Yes and Yes. It's a common ptoblem with the plastic couplers. A quick fix is a rubber band. If your kids are in braces ask them to loan you a small orthodontic band. (how many extra cars are you adding on?)

you can try replacing the coupler but give the rubber band fix a try first.

[Firelock76]

I cut a strip of electrical tape and wrapped the coupler arm, works fine.

[KRM]

Like RT said not sure what Polar Express you have so can only be guessing here.
Okay, the uncouple feature generally is operated by a special track section that has a magnet that is triggered from switch. When engaged the magnet pulls down on the metal tab shown on the bottom of the coupler in the picture. Sometimes they can release on their own. Best bet why it is your tender is because it is pulling the most weight. If you install a very small tie wrap, around the neck as shown it will not allow the pin to pull out of the latch  releasing the cars behind it. You can use other things as well like tie wire, or rubber band.
Hope this helps.

[yougottawanta]

The Lionel Polar Express is the first Plastic version that came out. Not the hybrids or later versions.

KRM - When you say "pretty common problem" can you elaborate on the the problems mentioned ? What is the "auto uncouple feature"  ? I do not believe my set has that, unless I am not aware of it ??? Is the couple issue common to all couplers on Lionel or just the tenders ? Reason I ask is because none of the cars seem to have an issue, it seems to be only the tender. Thanks I appreciate the responses.

YGW

[KRM]

That is a pretty common problem wit a lot of Lionel couplers. If you are not using the auto uncouple feature you can get a very small tie wrap, rubber band or wire tie and place it around the coupler neck so it can not let the pin down and open up.

[rtraincollector]

first you didn't say which set as it might help some of the other guys as I have never had that set but understand there is like 4 or 5 versions of it. If possible I would go with a more robust coupler because if that one has worn out more than likely a replacement would also in time. a temporary fix might be take the smallest rubberband you can find and wrap it arounr it in the closed position to hold the piece in place that locks the coupler you won't be able to operate it but at least you can probably pull more cars with it. 

[yougottawanta]

On the tender of my Lionel O Gauge "Polar Express"if I pull more than the three cars that the train came with it tends to uncouple.

Question :

Has the coupler just gotten weak and needs to be replaced ?

OR

Is it possible that I need to replace it with a coupler that is stronger and can hold the pull of six or more cars ?

Thanks

YGW