Has anybody used Z Scale couplers on the IM F units. I took off my factory couplers and installed Red Caboose 51060 dummy couplers which help the looks quite a bit. However, I would like to get them closer like my Kato units which I used Red Caboose 51000. They are really close together and work just fine. Would the Z Scale couplers get me closer together than the 51060 couplers I am now using?
Yes and no. I have used them on IM FT units, but not F3 and F7 because I don't have any of the latter. The Z scale coupler on the rear of the FT B gives about the same distance coupling as the Red Caboose short shank coupler. Also couples and has uncoupling ability with N scale MT couplers. Someone else needs to address the use on F3 and F7. Ben
The 905 coupler wont fit. I've tried finneagling it in there but it just doesnt work without either: A. Raising the coupler height - then it can only couple to other units with the same coupler height...no dice for MU lashups... B. Milling out the rear of the truck - bad idea.... Safest bet for close coupling is to use Red Caboose or Unimate short shank body mount couplers. IM F-7 Proj Pt I IM F-7 Proj Pt II IM F-7 Proj Pt III IM F-7 Proj Corrections HTH T
Thanks Sizemore for all the information. looks like you have been through the mill on you F7 units. It also looks like I am stuck with the Red Caboose 51060 couplers for the time being. Sure wish IM and Micro-Trains would get together to correct this situation. I love the detailing on the IM units and that is why I want to get an FP7A when they come out. I haven't done a thing to my Kato F7 units except install Red Caboose 51000 couplers and they are nice and close.
I picked up some Rail Line HOn3 couplers with essentially are the same thing as the RC couplers but have a longer shank which allows me some more room with which to work. In January I should have some time to play with them and figure it all out. Photos and updates will be posted then, hopefully it will give you some help. T
That's about as close to prototypical coupling distance as one can achieve in N scale.. Just add diaphragms....
That's an FT not an IM F7, in the top picture, correct? Kinda changes things up a bit in comparison to "workspace" since the IM F7 truck is ALOT closer to the coupler box. It would have been nice if the rear trucks on the IM units were truck mounted couplers and we could all just use the RC short shank couplers. Not all F's are created equal !
Sizemore, it looks like the HOn3 couplers might work if used in the hole closest to the coupler...not sure but I might just give it a try also.
On another thread it was said that IM surveyed modellers and found that the body mounted MT's were what we wanted, going by all the threads over the years on changing the couplers I'd like to know who the heck they surveyed. I bet they didn't mention in the survey that the trade off would be F units you could drive a truck between. IMHO F units should couple close, the IM's as they come look absolutely ridiculous coupled together and spoil the look of an otherwise fine loco.
The Rail Line couplers don't have any premade holes. That is all up to you to drill them where they fit best. I did the same install on a set of IM F3s and it worked just the same. I'm pretty sure the IM F3s and F7s are pretty close if not identical for their coupler mount. Hemi, yes diaphragms coming soon.
Where does one buy the Rail Line HOn3 couplers? I am having a difficult time trying to find a place to buy them. When I do a google search, I come up with RC 51060 couplers as the Rail Line HOn3 couplers. I already have the 51060 couplers and want to get rid of them.
Any LHS that purchases from the "great" Walthers should be able to get them for you. Thats how I picked up mine through my local LHS. Tim
Not my LHC, I live in the boonies. I looked on the web and Caboose Hobbies, Red Caboose, 4Nscale, etc. has no listings for these Rail Line HOn3 couplers. I searched Walthers on line and they list an HOn3 (Sharon) coupler. Is that the same thing? If so, I will have to call Walthers and order from them.
