Micro-Trains body mount conversion for Atlas 40' Box Cars (Master Line)

Many Trains Oct 11, 2020

  1. Many Trains

    Many Trains TrainBoard Member

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    Is there a micro trains conversion to replace the couplers on the current Atlas 40' PS-1 box cars? This is for the newer version of these cars - Atlas is providing these with body mounted couplers - I assume they are accumates. I'd like to swap these for micro trains couplers. Is there a direct swap?
     
  2. urodoji

    urodoji TrainBoard Member

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    Most likely the 1015 coupler.
     
  3. Many Trains

    Many Trains TrainBoard Member

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    I found that Atlas has included a moulded on coupler box - that will make this much more difficult. I guess I could attempt the "surgery" to remove it and then use an assembled 1015 (I hate assembling them, I always buy them assembled ever since MT came out with that option). I'd probably better purchase a test car to try this so I don't ruin my current cars I'd like to convert.
     
  4. Inkaneer

    Inkaneer TrainBoard Member

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    Can you use the Atlas molded on box? Some time ago some one posted on one of the forums that they were able to fit an MT coupler in an Atlas box . That was one of the early truck mounted couplers maybe the same will work with the molded on box.
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2020
  5. Many Trains

    Many Trains TrainBoard Member

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    I gave that a try initially when I removed the delivered coupler. The problem I ran into was assembling the MT coupler - the spring was impossible (for me anyways) to put in place. After about my 4th or 5th attempt when it flew off and landed heaven only knows where, I gave up on this. I was never good at assembling MT couplers - ever since MT began offering them assembled, I have never bought them in any other form.

    I guess I could keep trying, although my frustration level mounted pretty quickly the first go around.
     
  6. Inkaneer

    Inkaneer TrainBoard Member

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    I can appreciate your frustration as I, myself and probably many others, have had the same experience. But aside of the problem of assembling the coupler, would a properly assembled coupler work? Do you see any problem for it not to work?
     
  7. Many Trains

    Many Trains TrainBoard Member

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    From what I was able to see, I do think a 1015 coupler would work. I'll need to learn how to assemble one in the coupler box that is molded on, but if I can ever become nimble enough to do this, it should fit/work.
     
  8. bill pearce

    bill pearce TrainBoard Member

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    You get good as assembling MT couplers the same way you get to Carnegie Hall.
     
    locomcf likes this.
  9. Joe D'Amato

    Joe D'Amato TrainBoard Member

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    Can you post a picture of the draft gear box and the car so I can check my library?

    Joe
    MTL
     
  10. woodchip

    woodchip TrainBoard Member

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    An xacto blade is the best way to pick up and manipulate the almost invisible spring. It’d be nice if there were conversions for the cars that come with micro train compatible couplers. They will mix but not well.
     
  11. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have a set of 'dental picks'. I find the 45 degree one slides into the spring and angles it just right to position it in the box. A small flat tip jewelers screwdriver slide it off the pick and with a 'twist'...drops it in perfect position in the box. JMO.


    https://www.pjtool.com/353-7p-7-pc-...ping&msclkid=1150c6cf5bc011dbb6ba99467e0a933c
     
    MK likes this.

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