I have a post war freight car from 1949 and one coupler won't stay closed. It's not the thumb tack type. Everything seems OK but the pin that holds the coupler shut doesn't hold it well. Because with any pressure, the coupler opens. Any ideas? As always thanks.
trainbrain,
I've had your problem, as many of us do.
The return spring of the bottom plate is weak, the bottom plate also has the coupler securing pin attached to it's end.
If you know of a decent hobby repair person who'll take the time, have the part, tools and equipment and most of all (I did say decent) won't take you for a ride, then have the bottom plate, with the return (flat wide) spring and coupler securing pin, replaced.
The whole coupler assembly has to be removed from the truck's axels, there's a small rivet, which holds together: the return (flat wide) spring, the bottom plate with the coupler securing pin attached to it's end and the coupler assembly with it's own plate and the coupler attached to it's end.
It takes a little time, but for someone with the experience, tools, equipment and parts it's a snap.
Hopefully, this solves your problem, because sometimes you'll have to buy a whole coupler assembly part, which will cost more, I know, because I've gone those different routes.
Take Care,
Ralph
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