I understand the Atlas version of the NMRA coupler is not as good or dependable as the Microtrain version. Is this true? I'm especially interested due to the use of a hump yard.
Absolutely! Atlas uses the Accumates and there is no slinky action, but I have had too many that just failed during normal operations. They do not seem to want to work and play well with other couplers. MicroTrains has a bit of the slinky action, but seem to be the most reliable couplers out there right now.
I plan on replacing the couplers on all of my Atlas tank cars ASAP; they're junk as far as I'm concerned.
Ditto. Accumate's tend to have problems....they fall apart easily, and also come uncoupled at will. Use them until they break or become to problematic, but replace with MTL asap after that...don't try to be a hero... ;-)
I have over 200 Atlas cars with accumates mix in with several hundred cars with MT trucks/couplers. I have yet to replace any and they don't cause any uncoupling problems. My older MT/Kadee ones do how ever uncouple once in a while. I think if your a little rough on your equipment, the MT would hold up better! If I had to replace any i would choose MT.
I have about the same amount of Accumates as I do Micro Trains couplers. The accumates work OK but I find I have to couple them at a higher speed to assure the couplers mesh, otherwise they tend to push the other cars around without coupling. I use a Rix Pic to uncouple and find that the accumates stick open often and have to be squeezed back in position. I haven't had to replace any of either brand yet.
I guess I won't be buying any more Atlas. Unfortunately, I just bought a bunch (used) and now I'm sorry I did. One thing I did notice, the Atlas roll much better.
There is NO NMRA version of the knuckle coupler. All the knuckle coupler designs (attempted copies) come from one place, the Original KADEE/Micro-Trains Line coupler. And hands down the modern MTL coupler is still the BEST. Install them right, adjust your trip pins correctly, forget about them and run the trains.
I used that term to separate those from the old Rapido type. Funny one would think there would/should be. NMRA has standards for just about everything else.
There is a good reason why Accu-mates are appropriately nickmaned "Accu-hates"! They are JUNK!!!! I use them until they fall apart then I replace them with MTL.
I noticed about 8 years ago that one of the Atlas tank cars (short corn syrup cars? Not sure what they're called officially) will not accept Micro-Trains trucks with couplers. Before you order Micro-Trains for all your tank cars, make sure they will fit and operate properly.
I've run into the same problems with the Atlas 42" pulpwood cars. I stripped the trucks off them and traded them to a fellow for his "Slinky" trucks and couplers. I'm in the process of re-trucking the cars and noticed that the MTL trucks will not sit properly on these cars. The top of the MTL draft gear box hits the bottom of the frame, just ahead of the bolster. It looks like the MTL boxes are just a bit taller than the Accumates. So I need to pick up a few Accumates to re truck these pulpwood cars. Grrr! Oh well
Naaah. Go ahead and buy them. Just re-truck them with MT trucks. in most cases it will still be cheaper than going with MTL rolling stock.
Have you tried the supplied round washer? May just raise the care enough for the coupler box to clear.
I have some of the Atlas couplers come apart in the past and a few have had problems staying connected to anything. I either cut the coupler box off the Atlas truck and body mount a 1015 or replace the truck with a MT truck with coupler.
