MT COUPLERS

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I am in the process of switching my N scale trains to Micro-Trains couplers, and I am having a bit of a problem. I found all the part numbers for my locos no problem, but I am confused on how best to switch my freight cars.
I have been told to simply buy replacement trucks with MT couplers attached (expensive), but I still don't know which shank length to get. I run mainly Atlas and most of them are the 70 ton ore cars.
I have also noticed that MT makes couplers that attach using the "T shank" system that most freight cars use. While not exactly cheap, it would be much better than replacing all my trucks. That seems rather wasteful, especially seeing as I just converted most of my cars to steel wheelsets...
I would add that the reason I'm doing this is because atlas is switching to "Accumate" couplers according to their website.
I'm curious about this as well, as I use Accumate couplers on my HO stuff and have had excellent luck with them, but I have not been able to find any info on them in N scale, even on their website. Is this a misnomer on Atlas' fault, or is Accurail making N scale couplers just for them?
ALSO... How the heck do you sign up for Atlas' forums? I can't get anything but the sign-in page which is useless unless you are a registered user, which I am not...
Any help will be hugely appreciated...

Ray

[Anonymous]

Mr. Ray Meek,

If you decide to switch to Micro-Trains, go with the short extension couplers item # 1030-10 or item # 1035-10 (both are bulk packs of ten) for the 70 ton ore cars. Either one of those would work for modern freight cars. MT has a great web site to show what they offer. If you decide to go with the accumate I would suggest you go to 4nscale.com (They also sell the MT items). They offer many different kinds of accumate products. I have replaced over 200 wheelsets with MT and I understand what you mean about the cost involved. If the T-shank system will work maybe that is your best bet. I really don't know much about it. I hope I helped you with some of your questions.

Whitney