I have an Atlas U23B I just purchased today with a lenz decoder, I'm running same on a DC layout for the time being (i have only 1 loco so whats the point in upgrading to a DCC at this time when all i have is 1 loco, 1 car, and track). I noticed the atlas coupler on the u23b does not seem to connect with the Bachman coal car that I got a few days prior. Is my best bet to take the bachman back for atlas, or should I change couplers some how? What are the better ones? The ones like on the loco with the long curved peice that comes down for an easy uncoupler track peice, or the bigger thicker ones on the bachman that i'm used to seeing?
Do the ones you have on the Bachmann cars look like this? If so, there are many different options to replace them with more modern couplers. Some folks just put a new truck with a coupler compatible with you locomotive on one end of the first car to allow it to couple. The rest of the train then still uses the older style coupler. Many folks like the Micro Train brand couplers. Others use Acumate or Unimate brands.
yep that sure is the coupler alright... i managed to halfway figure out how to change a coupler on my locomotive. Its not springy if that makes any sense at all... i have a peice that slides in from under, the actual coupler, and a small copper looking flat rectangle. i dont know where that metal piece would go.
The coupler on your locomotive should already be a 'knuckle' coupler. The (C)rapido on the rolling stock should be changed to a knuckle also. Micro Trains makes some good knuckle couplers and also truck mounted replacements. .
Hi Guzman, from your questions it sounds like you need to go back to basics a wee bit and get an N Scale primer book from the hobby or magazine store. That will give you an idea of the history of N scale and what different couplers are and why they exist. The Bachmann one is a german design from the 196/70's(?) and is more akin to a 'toy train' one than a modellers. They are functional but not pretty given todays standards of modelling. The loco coupler you are suggesting to change is actually an after-factory fitted Micro-Trains or Atlas factory fitted Accumate (tm). Both are intended to be 'prototypical' looking and functional, so it would be the cars coupler that most people would look at changing, not the loco! Go back to the hobby store and ask them to show you the range of Micro-trains trucks and couplers that are a quick exchange for the era of cars and locos you have (Roller bearing seems right)- available in just a two pack or cheaper in bulk 10 packs. Hope this short answer helps. regards dave
Thanks Dave. It did, and I already was able to find that information out. I'm not so much concerned with the history of Nscale as I am with my future in it. There is plenty of time in life to learn the history when I have furthered my skill in this hobby. Right now it is a stress reliever but was a little frustrating when I realized that the couplers have been changed since when I used to model N Scale years ago. I'll be replacing the truck or the whole rolling stock when I go back to the hobby store this coming week. I ask these questions here because that is what a forum is for... to ask questions and get expert advice So thank you for your advice! For now, i'll just have a stray loco running around the track.
Guzman- Yes. Things have changed in N scale. Couplers are one aspect that is different. It may be frustrating at present, but after a while you will grow to like those of knuckle style. They look good, and work very well. Boxcab E50
I'm with you! I believe 'hands on' is a good approach. You may mess up a few cars...ya may even mess up a loco or two. But you do learn. Afterall...you have to break a few eggs to make an omlette...right. :tb-wink: .
Awesome!!! I'll look into switching out the couplers on the hopper to the knuckle style. I can't wait to get everything up and running! Thanks again everyone for the advice! You all have been very supportive so far!
