Bachmann 2-8-0 MTL Conversion Help

Hi all-

I just received a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation from eBay and the seller was kind enough to include a MTL 1129 kit (MT-10 couplers with adaptors - universal coupler conversion kit).

Being a noob, I'm totally confused as to how to proceed.

I assembled the two halves of the coupler shanks as described, and managed to get the coupler cover and rapido removed from the tender.

Now I'm stuck because the MTL adaptor and coupler mechanism don't seem to fit with the coupler cover from the tender.

Any and all help would be truly welcome!

Thanks,

G

 

The MTL 1129 is probably not the optimal conversion.
MTL has conversion kits (#1131 or maybe 1133/34) that are intended for Bachmann and are basically a #1128 (1129 is similar but with longer shank) with an adapter that fits Bachmann's coupler mount.
I have not used these for my Bachmann steamers but put a MTL #2004 coupler under the tender, drilling and tapping a mounting hole and then used the MTL screw to mount the coupler.
This worked for my Bachmann engines with the USRA tenders, e.g. 2-8-0 and 4-8-2.

 

Use the Mt 2004 coupler because it is offset "up" to allow for proper coupler height to match other rolling stock. The 2-8-0 tender is a tad to low for a correct coupler height above the rails. The offset will compensate for this.

 

Thanks, Christoph!

I had a feeling that something was amiss, though it's usually me!

Was the 2004 operation pretty straight-forward? I'm a little hesitant to take a drill to my steamer soon, so maybe the rapido will hang on for a while, unless the operation is truly trivial...

-G

 

I've done several and it's a pretty easy job. You will need a 00-90 drill and tap set if you don't already have one in your tool kit.

 

Thanks so much for the specifics! Very helpful as Ive never actually tapped anything-- save a keg or two back in the day.

-G

 

Did you have to remove the two knobs on the tender floor for the 2004 to seat properly? I have a newer release of the 2-8-0.

Thanks
Gary

 

At least on the older ones with Rapidos, yes. I did this on my 2-8-0s and light Mountains.

 

What method did you use to remove the knobs and the center screw post? Don't know if I am usig the correct terms.
What about using a Z scale 905?