Micro Trains True Scale Couplers

Nick Lorusso Jun 9, 2020

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Are people still using the MTL True scale couplers?

  1. yes

    6 vote(s)
    35.3%
  2. no

    11 vote(s)
    64.7%
  1. Nick Lorusso

    Nick Lorusso TrainBoard Member

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    Are people still using the MTL True scale couplers? If so what are your thoughts. I still have some left in my parts bins, but I don't know if I want to go that route this time around.
     
  2. Jim Reising

    Jim Reising In Memoriam

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    I've got 'em on two trains - an articulated auto rack unit train and a 112 car earthworm.
    I had hopes of equipping the entire fleet, but M-T's lack of support and new versions has killed that idea.
    The two trains run pretty much flawlessly, but I'm not gonna be chopping up BLMA cars to add the TSC.
    I find it really hard to believe they have just dropped any improvements.
     
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  3. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

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    I honestly thought about switching over, then I tried switching trains on my little layout, it was a little bit more difficult to do. If I was running on a larger freemo-n layout, I would be all over them
     
  4. tonkphilip

    tonkphilip TrainBoard Member

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    I have eight of the converter 40 ft gondolas with regular MTs on one end and TSCs on the other end. The TSCs look pretty and work well. However, I prefer the ease of coupling and uncoupling with regular MT couplers. - Tonkphilip
     
  5. Metro Red Line

    Metro Red Line TrainBoard Member

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    I believe they're a bust. I don't see MTL expanding the line with more variations of these. The fact that they're not compatible with conventional N scale knuckle couplers (or even Z scale couplers) - which would allow modelers to gradually transition to them - sealed their fate.

    Honestly, I think they're a good idea that rushed itself. Had they spent more time with R&D, they would have had a scale-sized coupler that could mate with conventional couplers and changed the game. But...naw.
     
  6. Maletrain

    Maletrain TrainBoard Member

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    I think they already have a nearly scale-sized coupler that can mate with conventional couplers in their Z-scale version. It just does not look like a prototype coupler, and, on things like loco pilots, they need to stick out too far because of their trip pins.

    So, I would like to see MTL work on both approaches. Getting TSCs to couple easily and fit most rolling stock would make me willing to forgo that trip pin and magnets and just always use a pick for uncoupling. But, if they can't do that, I still want a smaller coupler than the currently "conventional" ones. So, more options in their Z scale line would also improve the appearance of my rolling stock.
     
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  7. Inkaneer

    Inkaneer TrainBoard Member

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    Their small size means their vertical height is reduced. Any undulation in track may cause them to disengage vertically. I tried them on an NTRAK layout. NTRAK layouts are notorious for bad track especially at module joints. The scale couplers were a constant pain in the butt. The problem is worse the longer the car. Use them cosmetically as in a photo or diorama but operationally they are worse than the standard M T coupler. What might work is if MT would design some type of a 'shelf coupler" such as those used on prototype tank cars. These prevent the couplers from disengaging vertically in case of a derailment.
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2020
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  8. jpwisc

    jpwisc TrainBoard Member

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    I was hoping another manufacturer would come up with a TS compatible coupler by now, but it doesn’t seem to be happening. The concept was a great start, it just needs to evolve. I have a 1957 era train that is all TS couplers and I love how they look. Operationally they leave a little something to be desired, but not enough to where I’ll stop using them. I may go all TS on my new layout. Why not start off on the right foot?
     
  9. Nick Lorusso

    Nick Lorusso TrainBoard Member

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    How are they on the Free-moN layout?
     
  10. Inkaneer

    Inkaneer TrainBoard Member

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    They are as good as the trackwork is good. Conversely they are as bad as the trackwork is bad. And that is ignoring their other qualities like needing excessive force to couple. But try them yourself.
     
  11. Inkaneer

    Inkaneer TrainBoard Member

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    The TS coupler will not mate with any coupler including MT's regular coupler. So if you decide to go with the TS coupler it is TS on everything or nothing. Tomix makes a similar coupler which I tried but it too will not work with a TS or a regular MT. Nice looking coupler with better detail than the TS in my opinion.
     
  12. jpwisc

    jpwisc TrainBoard Member

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    They are solid, they hold just as well as anything else on the market. I have run them with no problem on my 60+ feet of modules. I sure wouldn’t try them on an NTrak layout. The trackwork on most of those won’t be conducive to the smaller coupler faces.
     
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  13. Randy Stahl

    Randy Stahl TrainBoard Supporter

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    No slinky effect on my 125 car iron ore train. I would use them on all of my unit trains.

    Randy
     
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  14. tonkphilip

    tonkphilip TrainBoard Member

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    The TSCs work well and hold together very reliably and equally well as my regular MTs, on my 60 ft of Peco55 and ME55 trackwork.
     
  15. MP333

    MP333 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Never tried them. I guess their marketing didn't reach me. Serious question: Are they discontinued?
     
  16. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

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    They are available
     
  17. hoyden

    hoyden TrainBoard Supporter

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    I tried TSCs on a track cleaning car only to discover they don't couple to anything except other TSCs. Surprise.
     
    MP333 likes this.
  18. MP333

    MP333 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Ooof. Well, at this point I wouldn't want to change. Swapping out on 200-ish cars and 40 locos is almost 500 couplers. If I was younger and starting out...
     
  19. Randy Stahl

    Randy Stahl TrainBoard Supporter

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    I also have plans to install them on all of my interurban cars. They look great standing in for Tomlinson and Van Dorn radial couplers.

    I do not have any plans to convert my entire roster however, I like the magnetic feature of the MT couplers. I have some equipment that has Z scale couplers also. Each coupler serves a distinct purpose.

    Randy
     
  20. Nick Lorusso

    Nick Lorusso TrainBoard Member

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    I've used z-scale couplers in the past, but I can never get them to function properly for me.
     

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