Replacing Bachmann "Boxing glove" couplers

[Cajonpassfan]

Recently I acquired a handful of Bachmann tank cars, for variety, and replaced the fat metal wheels with Fox Valley's. The couplers are next. They don't play nice with MT's and they are too big and ugly. Before I start disassembling them, I thought I'd ask here: will the MT (or Accumate) innards fit in the Bachman box, or will it require removal of the box and full replacement?
Thanks,
Otto K.

[vekelly09]

The closest in size to the Bachmann innards would be the Athearn/McHenry couplers.  They, like Bachmann use plastic "whiskers" as springs.  As I recall you just need to add a couple shims in the pocket, but it's been a while.  Unfortunately, they are also "boxing gloves" but they play a bit nicer with MT.   

[SP-Wolf]

Hi Otto,

I removed the Bachmann boxes and replaced with MT 1015's

Thanks,
Wolf

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks Wolf, I kind of thought I'd do that, too, but it seems the car rides too low for that and I'd hate to have to shim it up to match MT mounting height.  Am I missing something?
Otto

[Cajonpassfan]

...here's a pic showing the height.
And the other challenge, how does one put some more weight in it; it's a lightweight at only .5 oz./15 grams. Any ideas?
It's such a good looking car but not ready for prime time by a long shot...
Otto

[SP-Wolf]

Thanks Wolf, I kind of thought I'd do that, too, but it seems the car rides too low for that and I'd hate to have to shim it up to match MT mounting height.  Am I missing something?
Otto

Hi Otto,

Sorry, I missed this message. -- I'll take another look at mine (I have the same car) -- it is a great looking car.
I'll take some photos.

Stand bye,
Wolf

[SP-Wolf]

Hi Otto,

OK - here ya go.
Converted to MT 1015's (I probably could have mounted them a bit further back)
FVM wide tread .540 wheels
MT Bettendorf trucks



And - for removing the body. It separates just below the red. Firmly hold the the frame and gently lift the upper body.

Thanks,
Wolf

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks much, Wolf, I'll see if I can wiggle the top of the tank off when I get home from "work"
I tried gently but wasn't sure it's not glued and didn't want to break anything. Great info!
Otto

[sd45elect2000]

Thanks much, Wolf, I'll seed I can wiggle the top of the tank off when I get home from "work"
I tried gently but wasn't sure it's not glued and didn't want to anything. Great info!
Otto

Some of them appear to be glued on the ends. I used a knife and wiggled the joint loose. As far as the under frames I cheated and used Intermountain frames on them with MT truck mounted couplers. Once I separated the body halves I stuck some more weight in them.
I did both the 3 dome and the 10,000 gal single dome. It actually a nice addition to the Intermountain 8000 gal cars.

I have no clue what the tank size is on the MT cars it’s closer in size to the 11,000 gallon Atlas car.

Randy

[Cajonpassfan]

Well, no amount of wiggling, prying, tweaking and cajoling, gentle or otherwise, will loosen this sucker. It appears fully glued in. I'll try the ol' freezer trick tonight, but not holding out for much hope.
Randy, my old MT cars don't have the volume stenciled, but dimensionally, 34' by 88" diameter, calc out to about 10.5K gallons. I'd call it a 10K gallon car....
Thanks, Otto

[Cajonpassfan]

Hmm, the freezer trick didn't work.. it does work on house cars where there's a bit of flex. There must be glue, or paint, holding it all together. I had no trouble separating the single dome car, see pic.
Back to the original question: yes the McHenrys are a direct replacement, not that I'm a fan; just a little smaller, photo below, and another showing all three: MT, McHenry and Bachmann.
Otto K.

[peteski]

Wouldn't Atlas AccuMate couplers be a drop in fit?

[Cajonpassfan]

I don't know Pete, I don't have any on hand. I would prefer them to the McHenrys. Perhaps someone here who knows can chime in?
Otto

[Mark5]

Wouldn't Atlas AccuMate couplers be a drop in fit?

Yup. That's what I've done with the few Bmann cars that I have - the vertical fit is a bit tight but that can be fixed with a small amount of filing.