changing couplers

[trainster1073]

I'm modeling in N scale and I have had the old couplers that don't look realistic at all, and was wondering how do I change to more realistic knuckle couplers?

Thanks,
Dustin

[AltonFan]

The easiest thing to do is buy rolling stock with the Micro-Trains or compatible knuckle couplers already installed. The next easiest thing is to get a 10-pack of Micro-Trains truck-mounted couplers, and start replace the trucks that came with the cars.

Locomotive and passenger cars get a bit more complicated. Body mounting couplers, replacing the Rapido couplers on freight car trucks, and using Z scale coupler with N scale are also much more complicated affairs.

If you haven't already, get Micro-Trains yellow binder, which will tell you almost everything you need to know about converting to Micro-Trains.

And if you are only starting out in model railroading, and intend to convert to knuckle couplers, start NOW, before you accumulate a lot of equipment. Try to make sure you keep up with the conversions as you acquire new equipment, especially locomotives.

[ATSFCLIFF]

I have gradually converted my rapido couplers on my rolling stock to Micro-Train magnetic knuckle couplers. I did the easy way by changing the trucks to MT coupler mounted trucks. Dan's advice is correct, if you are just starting out it is best to buy your models equipped with MT couplers or with couplers that are compatible. It will be cheaper on the long run.

Cliff
http://cliffordconceicao3310.fotopic.net/c328807.html

[Anonymous]

When you can, use the preassembled couplers. Assembling the others, trying to keep the tiny spring in place, is a real challenge. You might want to do this in or over a large box. When those tiny springs go flying off into the carpet, they're usually lost for good. I would recomend the Microtrains gadget that you can check your coupler height with. When I started out in N scale, almost everything came with Rapido couplers. Now that knuckle couplers are becoming the norm, its a whole lot easier. Back then I kept a conversion car (a car with one end Microtrains couplers and the other end Rapido couplers) or two around. I gradually converted my rolling stock, buying a few conversions with every paycheck. Ah, the good old days! NOT! Have fun!

[BRAKIE]

I found the best way to change out crap N Scale couplers is by buying MT's trucks with mounted couplers..Thankfully this is easy to do.Also changing out couplers on quality engines(Atlas,the better LL etc) is a breeze and retaliative simple to do by using MT's couplers that is mounted in a coupler box.These usually slide into place.I use a 0090 screw to hold the coupler box in place.
Now,if you want to take the next step then body mount the couplers on your freight cars.[:D]