I'm in the process of changing out all the Rapido couplers to M-T couplers (except for the MicroTrains and Atlas cars that already have the proper couplers), and I've got a couple of questions about swapping couplers on Atlas and LifeLike diesels (all with body-mounted couplers). How'd you guys accomplish this?
Micro-Trains makes a plethera of coupler conversions for specific locos and cars. Go to Micro-Trains web site and down-load their coupler conversion chart. I believe that the #1015/16 coupler works for most recent Atlas locos, among many others.
completely nuts - Check Micro Trains' website, as I believe they have conversion information for your particular locomotive. http://www.micro-trains.com
I recently converted 3 Dash 9s, and a pair of SD40-2s to MT 1015s. The swap req'd trimming plastic from the coupler box to make the coupler fit correctly. IS this bad? Also, are there MT swaps out there that req. no hacking? For these locos, that is. I can look at the MT swap chart, but I donno if they require trimming the mounting box to fit.
I thought MT made a conversion especially for the Kato Dash 9 and the SD40-2? I don't recall doing any filing whatsoever to fit couplers to my Dash Nine.
Dash 9, SD90/80, SD40-2 /SD40-2 snoots take the 2004 couplers for turns 12" and over. 2001 if the locos are going to be used on turns under 12"
Paul-I converted an F40 to microtrains a couple of years ago. I think it was the 1028 coupler. It sticks out too far because you use the coupler pocket on truck sideframe assembly. I could not find room to bodymount a coupler box but maybe somebody else found a way. Good luck.
I have converted an F40PH to M-T couplers. I used a body-mount type, after shaving a bit off of the back and filing it to fit, it works fine.
I converted my F40PH's (Lifelike) to body mounts. I used the Micro-Trains 1015/16 short couplers. I made new pilot panels out of .020" plastruct with slots for the coupler pockets. I CA glued them right over the existing pilot. I had to trim a little of the back side of the coupler pockets and a little off the truck frames to make it work.
