close coupling adjustment MTL heavyweight passenger cars

[NorsemanJack]

On my MT heavyweights, I managed to achieve close coupling using the stock parts only. No new couplers needed. I used a drill bit (a number 61 works for me) the same size as the hole in the draft gear on the car body (or slightly smaller) and drilled right into the crack between the body-colored coupler mounting pad and the black-colored underbody casting. Yes, both parts are separate but this technique works anyway.

Now I simply press the MT-supplied plastic pin in the coupler draft gear box into the new hole. I also apply a small droplet of CA glue in the hole before doing this to increase the strength of the connection. Once done, I apply another small droplet to the seam between the rear edge of the draft gear box and the underbody casting to prevent swiveling of the draft gear box. Be certain no glue enters the draft gear or the coupler will be locked in place. Acetone can be used to clean it out if necessary.

I run lengthy trains with this system and no problems have surfaced. There's a little daylight between adjoining diaphragms and my trains can negotiate a Peco double crossover with no difficulty (an S-curve equivalent of two No. 6 turnouts back to back.)

Can you post some pictures of the coupled cars?

[nkalanaga]

If the rear of a 905 box causes problems, it can be removed.  Once the coupler is screwed on, everything back of the coupler shank can be removed, with no problems.  A little more could be, but you risk having the spring fall out.  I had to trim quite a few on my narrow gauge equipment.

The same thing goes for the 1025, including the spring falling out.  The design is identical.

[mcjaco]

After seeing Nate's move to 905s and watching them run on Modutrak, I think the spacing is acceptable.  The picture makes it look much larger than it really is. 

Interested to see some of the alternatives via visuals. 

[Lemosteam]

This is the coupling distance @Scott Lupia gets when using my Keystone Details Pullman underfloor detailing system and the original 1015 couplers installed into the steps.  The kit moves the coupler in 1mm from its original position.  The left car uses the OEM trucks and the right car has my Pullman 242 trucks.  Both cars have his etched pullman sides on a pullman core.

I cannot comment as to the resulting minimum radius or the diaphragms he uses.

[Paradise275]

Lemonsteam, I think Joe told me the couplers for the Heavyweights were actually 1016's.

Where can I find information on the diaphrams used in your post?

Rick

[Lemosteam]

@Paradise275 , Those steps are different on the ConCor cars.

These kits are specifically for Microtrains cores/cars announced recently. 

Iced Pullmans: http://www.keystonedetails.com/keystone-customs/2018/5/21/n-scale-pullman-sleeper-mech-ac-kit-xd8fy

Mech A/C Pullmans: http://www.keystonedetails.com/keystone-customs/2018/5/21/n-scale-pullman-sleeper-mech-ac-kit

1015/1016 have the same housing and both will fit as will the TSC long shank, but that has not been tested radius wise.

Scott will have to chime in on the Diaphragms.

[Jbub]

Here's the difference in couplinging distance between the tsc vs stock 1015/1016. I used the stock hole and pin for both couplers. If you look closely I used both long and short shank other wise they would have been too close. They are the same car just different ends.

[NorsemanJack]

Here's the difference in couplinging distance between the tsc vs stock 1015/1016. I used the stock hole and pin for both couplers. If you look closely I used both long and short shank other wise they would have been too close. They are the same car just different ends.

What is a "TSC?"

[Jbub]

What is a "TSC?"

micro trains true scale coupler

[NorsemanJack]

micro trains true scale coupler

Thanks.  I'm surprised that two short shanks wound up being too tight.  I have some true scale couplers, so I might just try them on the heavyweights for comparison.

[Jbub]

Thanks.  I'm surprised that two short shanks wound up being too tight.  I have some true scale couplers, so I might just try them on the heavyweights for comparison.

I like the look of them and I'm sure two short shanks would be just fine on larger radius curves. My only complaint is you have to have very smooth track work. I don't have a layout of my own so I only get to run them at the shows on the club layout. Sometimes there is hump in the joiner tracks that cause them to un-couple do too the length of the car. Shorter cars don't have this problem.

[Mark W]

I like the look of them and I'm sure two short shanks would be just fine on larger radius curves. My only complaint is you have to have very smooth track work. I don't have a layout of my own so I only get to run them at the shows on the club layout. Sometimes there is hump in the joiner tracks that cause them to un-couple do too the length of the car. Shorter cats don't have this problem.

You may remember from the NSC, I run my heavyweights with two short shank TSCs, (Z 905 between the loco and baggage, since that's the only part where something else might couple).  Same technique using the original hole and pin, just swap out the coupler box.

Measuring on Unitrack, they'll operate down to 11" radius, however this is only possible if the whole coupler box is left to swivel on the mounting pin.  If swapping for screws, tighten them down, then back off a quarter or half turn. 

Finally, yes, even the slightest ski-jumps and centerfolds will cause two TSC's to slip vertically.  I found that a very small dab of Hob-e-tac on the inside of one of the couplers will solve this.  Just a small dot is enough to keep the shanks attracted to each other and hold the couple over an uneven joint, but not so that it makes purposely uncoupling them difficult.  I would only recommend this for passenger and unit trains though.

[peteski]

Shorter cats don't have this problem.

Regardless of whether they are Tabby or a Tortie. Meow!   

[eja]

Regardless of whether they are Tabby or a Tortie. Meow!   

Ed beat me to the feline joke   .... How do you shorten a cat ? Remove its tail ?

[peteski]

Ed beat me to the feline joke   .... How do you shorten a cat ? Remove its tail ?

Ed?