N Scale Coupler How To

[@book1957]

You are correct at 4:35 the coupler on the right is the Red Caboose coupler. I use them between locomotives and MicroTrains on the ends. Have never had a Red Caboose uncouple from locomotives. Great videos keep up the good work. Dan

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Dan , Mike

[@gregorykalomiris2075]

book1957

[@bernardsaucier2062]

WoW!! I was 'coupler confused' however thanks to your excellent video & description....I am happily educated!!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Bern !!!

[@4ennout2]

Thanks Mike, I have so many cars that don't match up correctly, or come uncoupled all the time. With this information hopefully this problem will be cured.

[@N-Scale]

+MWRR R Thanks , two of the most important layout tools are NMRA gauge and Micro-Trains coupler Gauge. Thanks , Mike

[@lcar4000]

I just bought a passenger car online that unfortunately has rapido couplers. Glad you posted this

[@N-Scale]

+lcar4000 Thanks , The passenger car will likely take a truck change. Mike

[@IronHorseBrian]

Thanks Mike! I have watched and enjoy your videos. I also really appreciate you helping me with the Kato f7 Conversion (MTL). I have been successful with all my mtl conversion attempts (although some are tough), but have found that the bettendorf sets just work too good not to use. They are so worth the $5.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks and glad you got it

[@themaddogyoung]

I've heard some guys like z scale coupler in N scale I wander how that works out? Great video Mike as always!

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

I have not tried it and while they would look more scale , I am always curious about long trains and reliability. Those that use them seem to be happy. Mike

[@barryward6951]

N Scale Model Trains How To Channel d

[@pbeccas]

Thanks for this vid. I have dug out my old N scale railway stuff which are now 17 to 20 years old and everything has the old rapido couplers. I was wondering how I was going to connect my old engines to all the new wagons I want to buy. This has helped a lot.

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Thanks so much. Everything can not be covered here but if you have questions on particular installs there is likely info out there on the web as well. Mike

[@ibiubuok]

That was a very helpful video. Thanks for posting.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Mike

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Great topic and great video Mike. Very informative.

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Thanks so much Peter. Mike

[@wykedinsanity]

soon as ups shows up ill be converting my fox valley coal gondolas, i need couplers i can un couple they came in static couplers with my chemo fingers i need reg couplers to get them on track lol

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Mike

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Hi Mike would you know what micro trains nscale coulpers I would need for atlas nscale gp40-2 I had one done for me years ago but I don't remember what coupler the man at the hobby shop used for me thank you

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

I can refer you here. www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=10

[@SFCRambo60]

Mike, is there any videos showing how to use Micro-Trains Coupler Assembly Jig? Thank you for any help.

[@N-Scale]

I do not have any and consider the jig a useless tool. Mike

[@hyperblues3632]

I have 3 different types on my train but in my hobby place they pay really cheap for the old couplers and if u get it with a car its only 6$-amazingly the 3 different couplers hold together-its hard to put them together at first but after their is no problem for me

[@skipduld3630]

very good pretention I have all MT COUPLERS, I also use a gauge.

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Thanks Skip , Mike

[@rdanscale3416]

Hey Mike on my Layouts Curves.. I've got the Master 2 set and the V5 Set the V5's curves are R 282-45's the Master 2's are R 345-45's I want to change over to Micro Trains Couplers on my SD 70 ACe's and my SD 90/43 MAC to Run them together in consist.. It shows you can use the Microtrains 2004 for the 70ACe and you can use it as Well on the 90/43 MAC But on Smaller Tighter Radius Track use the 2001 but those you have to Assemble is there a Coupler Mike that M.T. Makes that a person can use for Tighter Radius Track but ya Don't have to Assemble it.. Thanks a Bunch R.A.

[@N-Scale]

Nope , If it takes a longer shank , you will need to assemble it. Thanks , Mike

[@elleryparsons5766]

Very Educational Love it!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Mike

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Hi mike I’m looking for micro train couplers for atlas gp 40 would you know which ones thank you

[@N-Scale]

www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=10

[@brianu3536]

your videos are the most informative and best quality out there. keep it up. may I ask 1 more question. I have a steam engine that I don't run that often and the other day it ran choppy. with sudden starts and stops. is this a lubrication issue? any advice? thanks in advance Brian

[@N-Scale]

It could be almost anything but likely dirty track or wheels. Thanks , Mike

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Hi Mike what do you recommend for a KatoSdace I know people use a 1015 and a 2004

[@N-Scale]

2004

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Thanks a million mike

[@mgd76yt]

Mike, keep up the great vids! I only have 2 locos and a few cars, no gage yet. I was wondering if you rechecked your NW2 after you fixed your gage, and if you kept the 2004's. Thanks for the help, Mike

[@N-Scale]

I went out and checked this AM and sure enough it looks like the 1015-1 is what is on there and the gauge is corrected now (actually a new one). Thanks , Mike Still don't know why MT's page says 2004-1????

[@robertnorman6443]

Hi mike great videos i have question i just brought the bachmann n scale thunder valley starter set i was wondering how would i go about changing the couplers that are on the rolling stock caboose and the locomotive witch i the emd gp40 to kadee couplers ? Cheers

[@N-Scale]

Robert, I will try to be brutally honest. Do not waste any time and money on the Bachmann equippment. If you do you will need to check out the Micro trains conversion charts. www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=10

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

Hi Mike, how are you? Great video. I would like to ask if you have had problems with the couplings of BLI locomotives and Kato freight cars. That combination has not worked for me, and every time the locomotive reaches a curve, the car that is coupled to it derails... Do you know how to change this??? Can you suggest me some hook?

[@N-Scale]

If it is at one spot , I would think more ,Track Work, or too sharp of curve for the couplers. I would need much more info.

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

@@N-Scale Hi Mike, thank you very much for the response. Yes, it is a curve area with double track, a curved inner ring with 4 unitrack tracks with a radius of 30cm and the outer one to which a short straight segment is added to be able to extend the turn. The curious thing is that Kato, Tomix, ATlas or any other locomotives were used with the cars, they did not present a problem. However, when using the BLI and Scale Train locomotives that use the same type of brown knuckle, they take the truck connected to the locomotive off the track. I tried installing a long arm knuckle on a car to test, but the same problem persists, which makes me conclude that it is the hitch that comes by default on these brands that causes the problem. I would like to know what alternatives there are. I consulted Scale Trains, telling them what happened, but I have not had a response.

[@N-Scale]

@@angelmoratroncoso9431 If that is the case , it seems the BLI and Scale trains couplers do not have enough swing. You might see if the swing can be increased on the locos. No coupler will help the lack of swing and I would not know what would be a replacement. It also may have something to do with the length of the loco. Is the track superelevated?

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

@@N-Scale Hi Mike, thank you very much again. No, the track has no slope in that area. Sorry for the question, but what do you mean by lack of swing? Is it associated with the knuckle's ability to move horizontally?The area is right in front of the main station.... You can see it in the video curtain. I have longer locomotives that have no problems....kzbin.info/door/Tu1t8YO3N9ZM1BuocJ3SDg

[@N-Scale]

@@angelmoratroncoso9431 Yes horizontal swing

[@briancooney4185]

What do you think about the bachman couplers are they any good

[@N-Scale]

Nope .

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

Hi Mike. How are you. Great video. I have a kato locomotive, scale n sd 40 -2 union pacific E, which uses a mchenry coupler, and in the corner zone, it does not allow the car bogie that follows it, make the curve and proves its derailment. I have another exactly the same, gray and brown, which uses a similar coupler but without those curved eyelashes and works very well. In the latter case, is a copper plate incorporated that allows you to go back and forth to the center or inconvenience? Can you tell me your impression about this and how to correct it? Thank you...

[@N-Scale]

The sd40-2 Kato is done the same way as this loco and also uses a 1015

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

@@N-Scale Okay. Thank you. You mean the product 11-702 ??? It is likely that the couplers have changed, as I bought it at an auction via ebay ... Well I will have to repair it ... Thank you very much and greetings.

[@N-Scale]

@@angelmoratroncoso9431 No a Micro-Trains 1015

[@brianu3536]

Hi, I have multiple rapido couplers that I would like to change to knuckle. I bought pack of knuckle then realized they don’t have the little screw like rapido do. Is there a way to update they couplers? Thanks

[@N-Scale]

First I assume you are asking about a truck replacement and not coupler replacement.

[@randallbyrd1973]

Thank you for the video

[@macdogq]

I use short shank undermount MTL couplers for Kato Locomotives . It works fine.

[@N-Scale]

There are many. Which one on which locos?

[@kidnumberseven2055]

I have Bachman and life like rolling stock I just finished track layout I’m having very hard time with cars staying together at first I let trains run for 2 hours not fast I had no problem with them coming apart now I cant keep them together the couplers are the one,s that came with the starter set I’m pulling my hair out with this n scale never had a problem with all other scales what do I do the track is perfect I don’t know why first time no problem now a nightmare what do I do ( jimmy tugboat) help me

[@N-Scale]

There is no way to trouble shoot this over a computer but you may want to switch over to Micro-Trains trucks under these cars. Thanks , Mike

[@gabeitto3188]

How well do Kato and MT couplers work with each other? I have locos and rolling stock with both of them and want to try to make it work without having to do change out if possible

[@N-Scale]

+Itto the Otaku They will work together but the Kato couplers do not work magnetically very well. Thanks , Mike

[@mgd76yt]

I used 2004-1's on my NW2 just like your video. Then another video showed you having trouble with your height gage. Should I get 1025's?

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

No , Micro-Trains calls for the 2004. What does your gauge say? Thanks , Mike

[@brianu3536]

wouod you do a video changing a n scale bachmann engine from knuckle to rapido couplers. I have new engines but old rolling stock. thanks in advance

[@N-Scale]

Sorry , No. I would suggest a transition car with knuckle on one end and rapido on the other. Thanks , Mike

[@COH2000]

Will someone recommend a cutter brand/model name like the one Fifer is using in this video. I have looked at some Xuron cutters, but the ones I see are not for cutting screws like I see in this video.

[@N-Scale]

Glenn , That is a pair of Xuron rail nippers and they work fine on these small screws. The screws are pretty soft. Thanks , Mike

[@cmguitar50]

Thanks, Mike... Peteski is a member in my club :-)

[@N-Scale]

Thanks so much and say hi to Pete. Mike

[@terryobright]

very informative, but not short like you promised, lol

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Terry, That is why there is a stop button !!! LOL

[@terryobright]

@@N-Scale I couldn't stop, I needed to get to the end, I always have to get to the end

[@jonnyspeed]

What can be done to eliminate the MT "slinky" effect?

[@N-Scale]

+Jonathan Hatfield Unfortunately nothing as that is how the design works. You can add the restraining springs to one axle of each can but it make the train pull hard. Thanks Mike

[@tomtenbrunsel266]

How about us old folks with a collection of 400 N Scale freight cars all with very reliable Rapido couplers. Where can you get a simple Rapido body mount replacement coupler for new DCC locomotives? You know John, that silly wire hanging down on your choice of modern couplers is more obtuse than the old Rapido. So don’t be so quick to toss them aside. Also note that Bachman INCLUDES a Rapido replacement with their new DCC locomotives. You might wanna catch up.

[@N-Scale]

You simply can not. Those days are long gone. Sorry, Mike

[@modelrailroad315]

This is helpful

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Glad to help

[@janstahley9762]

Trains for Africa, this is a South African saying it just means that there so many out there the whole of Africa could be supplied. so it is just a SA (south African) saying.

[@N-Scale]

I see now , Thanks , Mike

[@pongignacio6705]

thank you mike for the information-pong ignacio

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Pong , Mike

[@georgecostanza1507]

Have you seen the website entitled "Spookshow"? He rates many, many locos and rolling stock.

[@N-Scale]

Not only seen it, it is listed at the top of our HOW To page on the web site www.fiferhobby.com/html/how_to_pages.html Thanks, Mike

[@georgecostanza1507]

It is amazing some of the locos he has rated, especially the older ones.

[@N-Scale]

George Costanza It is , He is an outstanding contributor to the N Scale world. Mike

[@brianu3536]

I bought lack of just the couplers. Magnetic mark 2. Not truck. I gues I need to replace the entire truck. Correct?

[@N-Scale]

On Cars , Yes

[@LOCDHONAN]

I went to micro trains because in running long consists the rapido somewhere along the consists would uncouple....

[@N-Scale]

Uncoupling is not always he couplers. There are many many variables that can lead to uncoupling. Thanks , Mike

[@kenhorne5650]

Thank you.

[@KiIo-27]

What type is that knucle?

[@N-Scale]

I do not understand what you mean.

[@anthonyf3957]

Why on earth would you not simply edit the photo into your video instead of shakily holding it up to the camera?

[@N-Scale]

Why on earth would you watch it and not have any videos of your own. Being an expert I would think you would do editing video's.

[@mgd76yt]

1015's?

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

What are you asking? Thanks , Mike

[@QRoutback]

Thanks Mike the trains4africa.co.za/?cat=13 link is real good lots of good infor Glynn

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Thanks Glynn , I think most questions are answered on all of these links . Mike

[@MsFred58]

No help here. Have Arnold Rapido engine.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks for looking

[@marvwatkins7029]

Good knowledge but not what I wanted.

[@N-Scale]

What did you want????