Coupler conversion for Bachmann shortie (65') passenger cars

[cec209]

I would like to convert several Bachmann shortie (65') passenger cars from Rapido to Micro-Trains couplers.
If I just remove the Rapido couplers I'm not sure which, if any, Micro-Trains coupler can be used as a replacement.
I'd be fine with switching out the entire truck and coupler sets but I can't identify the correct old-time trucks to use.
Micro Trains 4 wheel lightweight passenger car trucks (003 02 051) (1017) seem way too modern for the Bachmann shorties.
Suggestions welcome.
Charlie

[nickelplate759]

If you are looking for truck mounted couplers, your best bet is probably one of the conversion couplers that go into the coupler pockets already on the trucks - maybe the MT 1134 or MT 1133

[thomasjmdavis]

The only replacement truck that comes to mind is the MTL  003 02 250 4wheel "commonwealth" truck- however, those have no couplers attached, and you would need to body mount with 1015s or 1025s- which could require some work to attach to the Bachmann cars, clear the truck swing, etc. (I've never done a body mount on a Bachmann shortie). 

If you want truck mounted couplers, your best option is probably the one nickelplate759 suggested.  I would note that the MTL conversion chart shows that Bachmann used a variety of coupler pockets ("draft gear"), so depending on which you have, 1133 or 1128 or 1129. (1128 and 1129 are interchangeable, but the 1129 is a little longer)

https://micro-trains.com/publicfiles/conversions/sheet003.pdf (see bottom of page 3 for "passenger & freight cars"

[brokemoto]

Micro Trains 1017s will fit the B-mann passenger cars.  You will lose the lights unless you substitute live wheelsets.  I do not know if the B-mann wheels will fit into the MT truck frames. 

As @nickelplate759 correctly indicates, you can use the existing trucks.  You simply replace the Rapido with 133/1134.  The 1134 has a longer shank if you are going to run these things around really sharp curves.  The conversion is not difficult.  The instructions with the kit are good; follow them.  One thing that you MUST buy if you are going to work with 1133/1134 is the MT coupler tweezers.  They are not expensive and will make the job so much easier.  The 1133/1134 is almost universal for older Bachpersonn equipment.  Work with an Optivisor or magnifying lamp.  Some of the newer Bachmanns also take 1133/1134 but other take different.

Another solution is B-mann's own dummy knuckle couplers or UniMates.

[delamaize]

I bodymounted 1015s on all of mine. Takes some tweaking and removing rivet details, but it works well