Has anyone tried these couplers?

DeaconKC Aug 19, 2022

  1. DeaconKC

    DeaconKC TrainBoard Member

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  2. Rich_S

    Rich_S TrainBoard Member

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    I've not tried those, but they look like an Atlas / ACCUMATE coupler. One thing of concern, is "Reference Scale: 1:150" Although close to N scale which is 1:160, 1:150 is a little larger and the difference maybe noticeable when compared to N scale trucks and couplers?
     
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  3. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

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    When I have units that always stay coupled in operation, I use dummy couplers. They stay coupled better than operating couplers, often look more realistic, and are cheaper.
     
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  4. MRLdave

    MRLdave TrainBoard Member

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    Haven't tried those. Don't let the 1:150 bother you too much.......N scale isn't terribly standardized. Japanese N scale (Kato) is 1:150, UK is 1:144, US is 1:160. They can't be any worse than Bachmann couplers. The price is certainly good.....$13 for 12 couplers makes them cheaper than Unimates, so unless they are complete junk, it's probably worth giving them a try.
     
  5. pomperaugrr

    pomperaugrr TrainBoard Member

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    Just be sure the size of the opening for the bolster pin is compatible with your application. They do not appear to come with bolster pins, so if reusing yours, the opening for mounting and placing the pin may affect performance.

    The axle length is also something to consider if replacing the plastic wheels with metal wheelsets.
     
  6. CSX Robert

    CSX Robert TrainBoard Member

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    I've tried them, they are useable but I wouldn't recommend them. The wheels are junk - the tread face is a little rough (you can actually see it in the pictures online) and there is a prominent parting line from the casting. The bolster hole is a little bigger than Micro-Trains, so they fit slightly loose using Micro-Trains compatible bolster pins (they do not come with their own). The coupler and coupler box sit a little high - it's not enough difference to cause problems coupling but the coupler box can interfere with the car body.
     
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  7. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    I heard similar on other forums. Not worth the money as they don't quite work 100%. Nothing worse than intermittent operations.
     
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  8. jtomstarr

    jtomstarr TrainBoard Member

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    I Had a few on my freight cars , I replaced them with MT's ..aka MICRO TRAINS Couplers.

    Tom
     
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  9. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    I would only use them on static display cars not my running stuff for that nothing beats MTs.
     
  10. DeaconKC

    DeaconKC TrainBoard Member

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    Agreed on the MT couplers, they go on the end cars that connect to other stock. i am looking for something less expensive for groups of cars that will stay together. What are you guys using with success on this type of application? and where to find them?
     
  11. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

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    Post three. Don't let the term "dummy coupler" fool you. Unlike dummy locomotives, which don't locomote, dummy couplers do indeed couple. They just don't do it automatically.

    I do HO, so I'm not recommending any particular brand. Anyone have some expertise to share?
     
  12. MRLdave

    MRLdave TrainBoard Member

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    What are you converting from? Unimates are the "go to" for what you are trying to do. They are designed to snap in to the Rapido Pocket as a direct replacement. They require the "lift and lower" method of coupling but are very secure once coupled. They are also relatively cheap and come in 3 lengths. There is also a conversion kit for MT type boxes, but I'm not sure why anyone would want to do that. NOS Red Caboose UNIMATE CONVERSION KIT N Scale Accessories - RNP-51080 | eBay
     
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  13. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    If replacing T shank base coupler then either Unimates or my go to when replacing a T shank like a Rapido is to use Kato two piece coupler 11-702nor 11-707. The Katos look fairly good, not the size of the Unimate and can be used to couple with almost anything.
     
  14. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Interesting the seller terms these as "bogies", (a non-North American term), but resides in California.
     
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  15. Inkaneer

    Inkaneer TrainBoard Member

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    They also use the term "railway" instead of "railroad". "Bogies" and "railway" are terms used in Europe especially in Great Britain as well as possibly other places too.
     
  16. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    I've heard the terms "Bogies and railways" used many times in my youth in northeast Wisconsin.
     
  17. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yup but up there the closeness to the Canadian rails which happen to follow British rail customs to a point would explain that.
     
  18. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    Yuppers! :cool:
     

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