So I gotta ask...

[Kisatchie]

...I just keep tossing the different puzzle pieces into a big pile until the obvious organizational patterns start to emerge...

Hmm... that's the same
approach Kiz uses with
the stock market...

[Mike C]

I've been considering buying a European loco, possibly one of the Fleischmann 2-10-0's. I feel pretty good about the quality of the models they make, so that isn't a real problem. What I am wondering is how hard it would be to convert them to Micro-trains couplers ?

   And yes I did bookmark your site Mark....Good work !

[peteski]

Further muddying the waters is the fact that these state-run railroads will change their series/class designation for a given locomotive, oh, approximately whenever they feel like it (as near as I can tell).

But you're right Pete, I can't deny that it doesn't get my OCD juices flowing. I just keep tossing the different puzzle pieces into a big pile until the obvious organizational patterns start to emerge. Always a fun moment for me (as sad and pathetic as that may sound) 

If you want to follow my progress, it's here - http://www.spookshow.net/locos2.html

Wow!  You're well off on this venture - looks good!  I own quite a few of those locos. Time permitting I can provide you with photos of the mechanism and some additional comments.

[peteski]

I've been considering buying a European loco, possibly one of the Fleischmann 2-10-0's. I feel pretty good about the quality of the models they make, so that isn't a real problem. What I am wondering is how hard it would be to convert them to Micro-trains couplers ?

   And yes I did bookmark your site Mark....Good work !

Most (if not all) current Fleischmann N scale models use one specific type of Rapido coupler.  Its design is very similar to the front Rapido coupler used by Kato in the original run of their F units.  It is possible to fit MT coupler in the existing pocket, but it will take some trimming and modification of the pocket.

I have done that on couple of my Fleischmann models. But then I decided against the conversion.  Since Rapido coupler is still the standard coupler used in all European N scale models, I decided to keep Rapidos on all my European models.  I converted the MT-converted locos back to Rapidos.  I really don't see any advantage to converting those to MT couplers. I am not planning on automatically uncoupling them.  Also, while converting locomotives is relatively easy, many European freight and passenger cars utilize a close-couping mechanism (similar to Kato's kinematic coupler, and to the couplers used on FVM Hiawatha passenger cars). Converting those cars to MTs would be a lot more complicated.

[Mike C]

  Thanks peteski ! If / when I do get one, it would probably be the only European loco I would get. I would just use it with my American cars. Just cause I could  . Might be a demo loco or something like that.....Mike

[peteski]

  Thanks peteski ! If / when I do get one, it would probably be the only European loco I would get. I would just use it with my American cars. Just cause I could  . Might be a demo loco or something like that.....Mike

You're welcome Mike.  BTW, if you are thinking of Americanizing it, be mindful that it is a tender-drive model. The loco itself is free-rolling.  The powered-tender wheel arrangement is nothing like American tender, and it would not be easily modified.

[Mike C]

  Hmm, I did not know that..I would be keeping it stock except for the couplers. I'll have to do a bit more research , was not aware of the tender drive. But I'm not against something different....Mike