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Replacing HO Scale couplers

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  • Member since
    March 2010
  • 32 posts
Replacing HO Scale couplers
Posted by pamelapeterson on Sunday, January 21, 2018 2:36 PM

I'm looking for someone who can help me replace the couplers on an

Athearn 89307 RTR HO Scale 50' Sieco Box Car CAGY 20027.

I have looked the box car over but I'm 'probably blind in one(1) eye and can't see

out of the other'. I do not see a screw holding the coupler cover in place.

Any help would be Graciously welcome. Bob C...

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Sunday, January 21, 2018 3:09 PM

You might have to unscew and remove the trucks, and then carefully slip the whole frame out, and the top of the coupler box pops off.

Not sure on how detailed the underframe is, but you might have to carefully cut the air lines that run from the resevoir to the valve box, on the braking system.  Usually the valve box is cemented to the floor of the car, and won't come out with the frame assembly.

Mike.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Chamberlain, ME
  • 5,084 posts
Posted by G Paine on Sunday, January 21, 2018 3:19 PM

I am not sure how old your boxcar is, but typically on Athaern BB models, the coupler is held in place by a metal cover that goes across the top and down the sides of the coupler box. Just put a thin screwdriver or blade under the edge of the cover and it should pop off. You may have to remove the trucks first to get easy access.

George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch 

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Sunday, January 21, 2018 4:54 PM

If it is like my recent Athearn Boxcars, you do indeed unscrew the trucks, and the whole center frame rail comes off, including the coupler box covers.

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    November 2017
  • 153 posts
Posted by HOmainline on Monday, January 22, 2018 12:37 PM
This book will be of help on this and other loco and rolling stock maintenance issues: "Maintaining and Repairing Your Scale Model Trains" (1999) by Jim Volhard. It's the only comprehensive such book I've ever seen for model railroading. I got mine on Amazon.

Kerry

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