I would like to replace the Bachmann couplers (E-Z Mark II) - does anyone know what could be used as a direct substitute? My unit is the new DCC & sound version. The MicroTrain conversion sheet for Bachmann only has 2009 as the most recent DD40AX and it indicates that there is no direct MT replacement and, furthermore, that milling is necessary (I assume for any MT coupler to fit). I damaged one of the unit's couplers when I trimmed the uncoupler pin. My layout uses Kato Unitrack and I find that the pins can sometimes cause problems at turnouts. Since I don't need the pins, removing them is what I usually do but the pin is integral to the E-Z Mate coupler so trimming is my only option. BTW, otherwise I like the new DD40AX very much. It runs well and the sound is very nice (I'm not a "rivet counter" so I can't certify that the sound is accurate to a fraction of a Hertz but it is certainly fine for me). Thank you. Dan
Dan, Go to this thread: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?121287-N-Scale-Railroading-DD40AX-Couplers . It highlights an article in "N-Scale Railroading" on how to put Microtrains couplers on the new Bachmann DDA40X (yes the A comes before the 40). To me it looked like way too much trouble. Several hobby shops carry Bachmann E-Z Mate Mark II couplers (woo woo woo ¤¤¤¤¤ (¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤) has 99 in stock at a couple of bucks if you just want to replace the broken coupler. Before you install it carefully bend the uncoupler pin up at the end so it doesn't catch on the track work. Can be done with a small needle nose or a Microtrains special uncoupler pin needle nose designed specifically for adjusting uncoupler pins. Installing the coupler involves 2 screws… very easy. If you just don't like the E-Z Mate Mark II couplers and you want Microtrains couplers then this will not help. Although most all my equipment has micro trains couplers, I find they the E-Z Mate Mark II works fine. Nick
Nick, Thank you very much. I've been away and was unable to access the forum. With regard to the EZ-Mate couplers, do you know if the shank is long, med, or short? Dan
Dan, The Bachmann EZ Mate Mark II is available with short, medium, and long shanks. Since the pilot turns with the truck, the short shank works fine. Nick
