Athearn Genesis Mikado Front Coupler Question.

[rf16a]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to install a working front coupler on an Athearn Genesis Mikado? Preferably without having to perform major surgery on the loco?
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

[Anonymous]

rf16a,

I have the same problem on my engine as well. There is a #37 (Or 36?) Kaydee coupler that may fit the pocket on the front. I plan to either replace the road pilot with a switcher pilot or have someone replace to coupler for a fee.

I will dive back into my research notes on this subject and see if I can give you a more specific number of coupler for it.

[Anonymous]

www.kadee.com/conv/list.htm
Mikado Road Pilot...Pilot #36
Mikako Step Pilot.....Pilot # 34..The MR Dec 99 review failed to mention coupler alternatives.

You can also e-mail www.kadee.com under Company infor CLICK,and thheir e-mail form pops up.

Send your question to Sam Clarke, Coupler Conversion Specialist. This is what he gets paid for.

[tomwatkins]

I've not done it without surgery, but this works. Cut the molded in coupler box out of the pilot ( I use a #11 saw blade in an Exacto handle-they are available from Micro -Mark) and enlarge the opening enough so a #5 coupler box will slide in. Use a #32 coupler in a #5 box with the #5 spring. I use just a few drops of super glue to hold the lid on. Cut the mounting ears off the box, and round off the rear corners of the box with an exacto knife and files. Also taper the bottom of the box at the rear with a file. Work slowly because it's easy to remove too much material and lose the centering action.Tapering the rear corners and bottom of the box provides clearance for the pilot truck. There are two ribs on the bottom of the pilot deck, one on either side of the coupler box mounting area. Carve these off and sand the area smooth so the coupler box will sit flush against the bottom of the pilot deck. Slide the coupler box into place and attach it with super glue ( I use Zap A Gap CA+, which gives me enough working time to get it aligned properly, and holds very well).
This does qualify as surgery and I'd rather not have to do it, but it does work. I've done several of them and I'm pleased with the results. If anybody has another, easier way, I'd appreciate hearing about it.

Tom Watkins