Atlas GP35 coupler

[MichaelT]

Evening,

Could someone point me to a tutorial, or walk me through taking a Rapido coupler set out of an Atlas GP35 and installing an MT coupler set?

It's a nice running engine, and I can see it becoming my first "Arkansas Midland" branded engine since it's already black, I just have to remove the current decals and get the AM decals on it.

[bbussey]

Pull the black plastic clip out.
Remove the Rapido coupler and brass flat spring.
Insert an assembled 1015 coupler from the pilot back end first and push into the opening.
Either replace the black plastic clip or secure the coupler with a 00-90 screw into the existing clip hole.

[davefoxx]

Pull the black plastic clip out.
Remove the Rapido coupler and brass flat spring.
Insert an assembled 1015 coupler from the pilot back end first and push into the opening.
Either replace the black plastic clip or secure the coupler with a 00-90 screw into the existing clip hole.

That's exactly right.  I prefer the 00-90 screw in the existing hole, which will self-tap, if you're careful.  The screw is a more solid mounting and avoids a floppy coupler box when using the clip.

DFF

[MichaelT]

I'm having a little trouble getting the black plastic clip out? I've tried pliers, a screwdriver, and it seems wedged in there pretty good. I'm afraid I'm going to break the plastic around it.
Am I missing something?

It was much easier putting the coupler together and installing the 2-8-0 tender coupler than getting the GP35 clip out...LOL

[DKS]

The clip has hooks on the ends of the two outermost shafts, and when you try to pull the clip out perfectly straight, both hooks hold on strong. The trick I use is to use a pair of tweezers, and pull the clip out from one end, using a bit of a twisting action toward the center of the clip. This releases one hook at a time, which makes it easer to extract. It takes a bit of fiddling to get just the right wrist action, but once you do a few, it gets much easier.

[MichaelT]

The clip has hooks on the ends of the two outermost shafts, and when you try to pull the clip out perfectly straight, both hooks hold on strong. The trick I use is to use a pair of tweezers, and pull the clip out from one end, using a bit of a twisting action toward the center of the clip. This releases one hook at a time, which makes it easer to extract. It takes a bit of fiddling to get just the right wrist action, but once you do a few, it gets much easier.

Thanks David; I'll try that when I get home this evening.

[christoph]

I used a small jeweller's screwdriver to pry these hooks open.  IIRC I pried from the outside of these hooks.
Using the screw instead of the plastic clip is more stable.  You could still keep the plastic clip, spring and the original coupler, so you can go back to the original configuration, e.g. if you want to sell the engine again later.

[MichaelT]

Well that was definitely two tasks I don't want to do again!!! But, MT couplers are now installed and went through a pull test on both front and rear couplers on the GP35, and the tender coupler on the 2-8-0. Another small success point here!

Thanks Dave and others for your advice. Getting some pressure on the sides of the clips pulled them right out!!

 ;D