Shapeways or other body mount 1015 coupler pocket for MT 2 bay hoppers

[Bill H]

Group:
I have searched Shapeways and other sources and cannot seem to find anyone doing a subcomponent for MT 2 bay hoppers. Specifically, I am body mounting MT 1015s on MT two bay hoppers and I need something very similar to what train-worx is doing for many hoppers - except MT. I am a little surprised as there must be millions of MT 2 bays out there compared to the product of those train-worx is doing.

http://www.train-worx.com/details.coupler.htm

Suggestions?

Kind regards,
Bill

[cjm413]

The Trainworx parts are designed for cars that don't have a tangible surface to mount a coupler box.

This shouldn't be a problem for the MTL hoppers, but I admittedly don't know which MTL coupler box is going to fit.

https://www.micro-trains.com/index.php?_route_=parts/n-scale-replacement-parts/hopper-brace-brake-hardware-18-pc-1064-49965935

[Nick Lorusso]

Bill,
the MTL hopper should already have a mounting place for the couplers. If you can provide a photo of what your working with that would really help.

[jpwisc]

Bill,
Nick is right, there is absolutely nothing needed to do that swap other than the 1015 coupler. The hole is even drilled for you. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[bbussey]

I'm pretty sure that all of the MTL hopper models, open and covered, have and always have had the provision for body-mounting 1015 couplers.

[nkalanaga]

Ahhhh, 2-bay COVERED hoppers.  When I read the subject I was thinking of the 2-bay OPEN hoppers, which are designed to take 1027s.  They already ride at the correct height, but the mounting pad is too high for a 1015, or 1025, so would need a shim. 

[Bill H]

Nick:
Sorry, you are absolutely correct -  I am talking about open hoppers not closed hoppers. If you mount the 1015 using the single hole provided by MT, it results in a very ugly screw visible above the frame. If you cut the screw really short, so it does not appear too visibly, it is hard to get the screw started. Either way, the frame is very flexible and the mount is not exactly solid. What is really needed is something like what TrainWorx is doing for other open hoppers.

Kind regards,
Bill

[nickelplate759]

I just use the 1027 on the open hoppers and have found that to work quite well.   

[bbussey]

Sorry, you are absolutely correct -  I am talking about open hoppers not closed hoppers. If you mount the 1015 using the single hole provided by MT, it results in a very ugly screw visible above the frame. If you cut the screw really short, so it does not appear too visibly, it is hard to get the screw started. Either way, the frame is very flexible and the mount is not exactly solid. What is really needed is something like what TrainWorx is doing for other open hoppers.

For the few remaining MTL twin hoppers I have left, I removed the stirrup/bracing, removed the brake appliances from the B end stirrup/bracing, screwed the coupler in place, cut the screw flush with the top of the bracing, replaced the brake appliances, and reinstalled.

[nickelplate759]

by the way, I substitute brass screws for the steel screws that Micro-Trains supplies.  Brass screws are much easier to trim.

[bbussey]

Yes definitely, and flathead brass screws whenever possible.

[Mark5]

Which reminds me ... can anyone recommend a source for the brass flatheads?

[wcfn100]

I'm using these for my TSC pockets.

http://www.microfasteners.com/fmb00903-00-90-x-3-16-flat-head-machine-screws-brass.html

Jason

[cjm413]

Which reminds me ... can anyone recommend a source for the brass flatheads?

If you are buying them from a local shop, Walthers screws are significantly cheaper than Hob-Bits

https://www.walthers.com/00-90-brass-flat-head-machine-screws-3-16-x-047-quot-48-x-12cm-pkg-12

[nkalanaga]

As Bryan said, the MT open hoppers are very easy to take apart, and reassemble, so that's probably the easiest way to trim the screws.  And, since the 1027s fit perfectly, I'd recommend them, rather than trying to install 1015s.

As for where to get flathead screws, I got mine from J I Morris:
http://jimorrisco.com/miniature-screws/