I have two questions. Here goes! How difficult is it to convert from a Marklin coupler to an MT coupler on a Marklin Steam engine? One engine is the little 88051 (8800/8805). The other is a Marklin Pacific Steamer and tender (only the tender would need conversion). What parts are needed and how long should it take? Thanks, Clancy!
One more thing. I have never done this before (converting a coupler) and am not a master at these kind of things.
To convert the 88051 really isn't that bad. Removing the gear cover on the bottom of the loc exposes the coupler boxes, and the marklin couplers can be replaced by the Microtrains 901 or 902 type replacement coupler (not sure what the new part numbers are). These couplers come unassembled, but they aren't too bad to work with. The pacific is a slightly different story. The coupler box on the tender is not really made to be opened. I can be, and it can be closed again, but it takes a bit of care. The easiest solution for the Pacific tender is the conversion kit made by the Zelatory. These kits are very easy to use, and the results are pretty good. It raises the tender up a bit, but it puts the trucks closer to where they should be. Z scale monster carries the couplers and the zelatory kits. Dan S.
One note, on the Steamer: when removing the gear cover, try not to let the drivers come out. Here's instrcutions if you want to go to the pain of changing the Pacific's tender: http://www.zscale.org/articles/couplers.html (courtesy of David K Smith). .
