I really like some of the Rokuhan diesel locomotives (Japanese and European style). I'm pretty sure these do not have Marklin-style couplers on them. My collection of cars all have Marklin couplers. Anyone have any experience changing out a Rokuhan locomotive's coupler with a Marklin one? Would it be easier to convert all my cars away from Marklin, or convert the locomotive? Just curious before I really consider buying one of these really cool-looking locomotives. Thanks! The locomotives I'm looking at are here on Rokuhan's site: http://www.rokuhan.com/english/products/trains/ Particularly the T002 model series.
As Mark has stated, fitting the Marklin couplers is straightforward. The locomotives produced from the collaboration of Rokuhan and Noch come supplied with Marklin couplers, which have to be fitted. It is also necessary to replace the buffer, which is also supplied, as the existing buffer has additional detailing that interferes with the free movement of the coupler. These locomotives are not listed on the link to the Rokuhan website. Here is a link to a supplier in Germany http://www.1zu220-shop.de/ROKUHAN/Lokomotiven:::1000035_1000060.html I hope that this does not breach the Trainboard rules but I cannot find any link to manufactures information. I believe that, at least, some of these locomotives are available from US supplier(s). I have paired the IN 97103 locomotive with the carriages from the Marklin 81444 set, and the IN 97104 locomotive with the Marklin 87299 carriage set. Rob Pearce (aka ViperBugloss)
Thank you both for your help in my coupler options. I now have a RKT002-1 coming, and look forward to trying it out on my layout. I only have a Marklin German steam engine right now so this Japanese diesel will be great to add some variety!
Rokuhan has available snap in couplers for their auto latch knuckle coupler in short and long shank, short shank for all engines ,but there are no snap in couplers for their tank cars and some other freight cars in addition they have Marklin compatible fish hook style and it is also a snap in fit. This in addition to the mini rapido that most diesels come with as a standard for Japan models. It should also be noted that most Rokuhan engines can be modified to accept a MTL 905 between the plow and under body, with a bit of work, requires a sharp knife, such as an Xacto with new blade, to open pocket side enough to accept 905 and it will fit over snap fit pin, but I find it better to remove pin and drill 00-90 hole and tap for screw that come with 905. I have my engines set up with mini rapido on one end and 905 on the other, so even operating in pairs I can connect with either type of coupler. The Rokuhan auto latch knuckle with couple automatically to most knuckle couplers that are auto latch in form and some that are dummy knuckles. They uncoupler with 0-5-0 or rix wand and a twist. The long shank auto latch couplers work on passenger cars and container flats.
My T002-1 (DD51) arrived, and I'm really blown away by the performance. My father-in-law was visiting on Saturday (a N scaler) and said it performs as good if not better than his N scale locos. He was very impressed for a Z scale locomotive. I was able to run it at really low speeds and it was smooth as butter. And it is so quiet compared to the original Marklin locomotives. I also really like the continuous lighting. A nice touch is the reversing lights (if going forward, the front lights turn on, if going reverse, the rear lights turn on). Also, my T002-1 came with replacement snap-on couplers in different types included as accessories in the Rokuhan box. It had Marklin / Euro couplers in the box so I now have it pulling my Marklin stock. Big fan of Rokuhan now! Japan has pretty cool locomotives and railways in general, too, the more I look into them.
I have several Rokuhan locos and they are the least finicky of anything I have, N scale or Z scale. The replacement couplers have worked well also. My only issue it their small size and my fat little sausage fingers. Trey
