Author Topic: Scale Trains couplers ?  (Read 1254 times)

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propmeup1

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Scale Trains couplers ?
« on: January 30, 2022, 05:22:31 PM »
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Is it just me or does anyone else have issues with ST couplers loosing springs and / or just not holding. Also trying to couple to MT with a ST is giving me fits. I'd like to swap the ST on all my locos to MT couplers but haven't found one on their conversion chart.

ST sent me some new couplers but after a few runs they loose their springs and just don't want to hold tight.  Yes the heights are set good on both in case you're wondering.

I don't operate. I just pull the engines off the ready track and hook them up and they run around a 116' double main.

So ST replaced by MT any ideas please ?  Thank you
« Last Edit: February 02, 2022, 01:09:46 AM by GaryHinshaw »

peteski

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Re: Scale Trains couplers ?
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2022, 06:16:57 PM »
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In N scale?
Those couplers are a weak (both visually and operationally) part of otherwise nice models.
In the past (the Big Blow Turbine), the coupler boxes were ready for a drop-in install of MTL coupler innards, but the Standard Turbine I recently purchased no longer offers that feature.

I just don't understand that a company that strives for the prototype fidelity (River Counter models), designed a new coupler is one of the worst couplers available in N scale. Very surprising and disappointing.
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propmeup1

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Re: Scale Trains couplers ?
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2022, 06:39:32 PM »
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Well I'm glad to read you view on them. I'm not alone here. And yes they are some very nice models and the Big Blow pulls a 70 car hopper train around the layout and up 1.34% all day long but only when the couplers hold out.

Must find a MT that fits it.

peteski

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Re: Scale Trains couplers ?
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2022, 07:39:05 PM »
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Well I'm glad to read you view on them. I'm not alone here. And yes they are some very nice models and the Big Blow pulls a 70 car hopper train around the layout and up 1.34% all day long but only when the couplers hold out.

Must find a MT that fits it.

Big Blow MT conversion is the easiest one there is.  It is even mentioned in the booklet enclosed in the box, bottom of page 9.  But I used the MTL springs. Just remove the screw holding the coupler box, pull out the box, remove lid,  and install the MTL.



I used 1015/1016-B (brown) couplers.   New part# 001 94 014.  Short shank.  You might have to cut the top of the trip pin flush with the coupler body (if it interferes with the gray plastic uncoupler lever (directly over the coupler).



When the coupler box was out of the model, I installed the MTL coupler innards, then I heat welded the lid onto the box using a tip of my soldering iron.  You can see the welds in this photo. Makes it easier to reinstall the coupler (without needing 3 hands to keep everything in place).



Here are discarded Scale Trains couplers along with Scale Trains springs they recommended for the MTL conversion.  These springs are too long and too stiff to work properly.  MTL springs work better.
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propmeup1

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Re: Scale Trains couplers ?
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2022, 09:41:47 PM »
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Thank you sir,

KTB

propmeup1

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Re: Scale Trains couplers ?
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2022, 05:50:38 PM »
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I have them on order.

peteski

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Re: Scale Trains couplers ?
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2022, 12:27:33 AM »
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Excellent!
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propmeup1

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Re: Scale Trains couplers ?
« Reply #7 on: February 06, 2022, 05:02:01 PM »
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I received them yesterday and put them on last night to all my turbines and their tenders including the extra tender I pull behind the 8500hp.  I have seen a video of one with two tenders.   Anyway the couplers are working and I've had no break aways in many laps around the layout. 
Thank you,
KTB

peteski

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Re: Scale Trains couplers ?
« Reply #8 on: February 06, 2022, 07:34:29 PM »
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I received them yesterday and put them on last night to all my turbines and their tenders including the extra tender I pull behind the 8500hp.  I have seen a video of one with two tenders.   Anyway the couplers are working and I've had no break aways in many laps around the layout. 
Thank you,
KTB

Good to know.
I'm glad I was able to suggest the easy MTL conversion.
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