<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alan: In response to Catt's mention of broken couplers, MT's can be a bit fragile, and I have even had some packs of trucks arrive through the post with the odd one broken. But as they are very small, by their very nature they are going to be fragile (especially when attached to a metal spinecar, it seems) But on the layout, they do perform ok for me, and I will continue to fit MT trucks/couplers to ALL my stock. The best way to ensure compatibility. I also agree with Chester that MT should fit low profile wheels as standard.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Your coupler problem seems to be a handling problem as there does not seem to be any defect in MT's manufacture. Have you had a fellow modeler watch you in action, it could be a simple change in handling and storage habits.
The MT's are a bit fragile, but I think look better. And just to point out for Alan's sake, those are coming from a LONG ways away, so there is more handling and more chance of getting them broken in the mail. I think Atlas needs to revise the whole Accu Mate desin. I would make it a little smaller (the coupler it's self), make the trip pin ride a little higher, make the lid of the draft gear box (thats what MT calls it) snap down tight like it does on MT's 1015 couplers (or better yet, do the "push down and slide forward technique like MT". This is my opinion, but I think Atlas products in general are not as thought out as others, and they seem to like to cut a few corners here and there. Just my honest opinion.
