Converting Athern Bi-Level Autoracks to Microtrains couplers

[Skeebo]

     Sorry for what may be a rather basic question, but after running a few trains today I've reached the limit of my patience with the McHenry couplers on these gems. I want to convert these cars to Microtrains couplers. I imagine someone must have done this and I've done searches to find a thread without result. I know its not a simple changeout as they have cast on coupler boxes. Would anyone  out there know and could steer me to the thread or let me know how to change them over. It would be much appreciated.

     Thanks
     Jim

[Spades]

Do you mean Athearn or Con Cor?

[Spades]

If Con Cor.  I used Pat Sanders N Scale May/June 2000 article.  It involves a bit of work. I can send you a link.

If Athearn, never tried it, but https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/nscale-body-mount-coupler-solution-12199781

[Skeebo]

You are correct sir, they are Athearn Bi-Level Auto racks. Thank you for the link to a solution, but in the article they go from Microtrains to McHenry's, I actually want to go the other way, to get rid off the McHenry's and install Microtrains.

       Jim

[nkalanaga]

That could be difficult.  Athearn, for some reason, doesn't make their boxes MT-compatible.  Most Atlas body-mount, with the Accumates, are, and 1015s drop right in.  But not Athearn

Depending on why you want to be rid of the McHenry's, Accumates might be an option.  You could replace those on Atlas cars with MT, then use the Accumates on the Athearn cars.

[bbussey]

Not the easiest task and not for the timid.

Not only the couplers, but the cars ride height as well. You would have to add the cavity for the pivot MTL pivot pins in the coupler box and lid, which means removing the lower-right quadrant of material other than the pivot post. Then MTL 1015 couplers will fit.

To lower the car, swap in Atlas/BLMA or ESM Ride Control trucks and MTL 2004 couplers in the pocket.