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Upgrading the couplers on the Bachmann Acela

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  • Member since
    June 2005
  • 4,368 posts
Upgrading the couplers on the Bachmann Acela
Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 8:44 PM

With the amount of quality and detail Bachmann put into the Acela, you'd think they would give it a better coupler system. But no, they're difficult to use, flimsy, and fragile. Here's how to upgrade them! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a07yzvvpRt8

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  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 9:52 PM

My Bachmann GG-1 also came with garbage couplers.  One of them lasted about 2 days in service, so I replaced them with Kadee #58s.  Easy job.  I love everthing else about the engine.  Why not spend a few more cents and do this right the first time?

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 10:15 PM

I'll have to give this try, thanks Darth.  I have an Acela set that is missing a couple of couplers.

I haven't even started looking for the originals, always hoping I could get them from Bachmann.

The project list never ends!

Mike.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 10:17 PM

I just searched the Bachmann forums and saw complaints there also.

The below is from one reader.

Kadee.

ACELA ..................... 118 on Flex Arm or 454 with 118

Have not seen the video yet though.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    May 2012
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Posted by angelob6660 on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 10:57 PM

I was going to get the Bachmann Amtrak Acela but I couldn't afford it when it out with extra coaches to make a complete train set.

Three years after they were sold out I found complaints about the couplers, cab cars, and power car/cafe.

Modeling the G.N.O. Railway, The Diamond Route.

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • 4,368 posts
Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Thursday, July 20, 2017 12:06 AM

richg1998

Kadee.

ACELA ..................... 118 on Flex Arm or 454 with 118

These would also work. The #118 would fit the same way I used the #5s, but the #454 would mount to the frame and replace the Bachmann system entirely.

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  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Monday, August 14, 2017 12:38 PM

Found a post in the Bachmann HO forums.

The Acela Revealed. Loco and cars opened up. Weights added.

Great detailed photos about DCC also.

For the couplers, I found this from a user.

Rich

   
It should be noted that if the Acela coupling bars should get lost, or broken, they can be replaced with NEM shank knuckle couplers by Bachmann or Kadee. Which also makes switching the train make up around easier.
 

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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