Hi all, I’m new here so I’m will apologize if I’m posting this in the wrong spot. My son and I have just started building an N scale layout. I purchased some rolling stock on eBay and when they arrived they had the Rapido coupler. The Kato rolling stock does not work with the Rapido. My question is, is it possible to replace the Rapido coupler with a Kato coupler?
Your inquiry is in the right place! As already suggested, we need to learn exactly what you have, so the correct replacement can be identified. I have never replaced a Rapido with a Kato, but it should not be difficult. Just getting the correct one from Kato... The most popular replacement, by far, are Micro-Trains. They have an excellent selection guide on their web site. You might wish to explore their offerings?
Microtrains or MT makes a number of couplers that can replace the car couplers they also make replacement trucks with couplers for cars. Kato make several types of knuckle couplers that can replace the rapido type. Both the Kato and MT coupler are compatible so a locomotive with Kato couplers will hook up to cars with MT couplers. This chart will help you find the correct MT coupler by car manufacturer. https://www.micro-trains.com/conversions I have equipment from Japan on my layout that I equipped with Kato knuckle couplers that run well with my cars that are MT equipped.
It's safest to remove the truck first. This involves unscrewing or pulling straight out the screw or pin through its center. Then the coupler cover must be removed; these generally clip in place and must be carefully pried so the clips can clear their bracket. At that point it's generally a matter of lifting out the old and putting in the new, properly oriented. Then reassemble. Watch out for the springs (sometimes just plastic arms) that keep it centered. Once you've done it once or twice, you can do it in a minute. The real trick is not breaking anything, including tiny details on the car which have nothing to do with the coupler.
Depends on the car. In most cases, at least for Micro-Trains, you're actually replacing the whole truck, not just the coupler. It's usually as easy as popping off the truck (if it has a push stud) or unscrewing it (if it has a screw) and popping/screwing on the new one. Some finagling, filing, or washers (included with the replacement trucks) is occasionaly required, but it's generally quick and painless. It can be a bit tricky to figure out which truck you actually need; for most cars it'll be a short-shank or medium-shank (referring to how far out the coupler extends from the truck). Use the link provided earlier by John Moore to help with that. There's also body mounting couplers, which is more difficult but more realistic. I don't know if I'd recommend it for layouts with tight curves.
If you have just a few cars replacing the factory trucks with trucks that have truck mounted couplers would be quickest and easiest. You will also get the benefit of replacing those bright shinny wheels at the same time. I haven't purchased trucks or couplers in years, but purchasing just the couplers was the cheaper way to go. I would assume it still is. To replace just the coupler is not difficult. You would need to straighten out the tabs on the metal piece holding the factory coupler in place, swap out the couplers and reinstall metal piece and bent tabs. If they are still available, I would suggest staying away from the couple packages that require you to assemble the couplers. Have fun with your project and let us know which way you choose to go.
