So I got back this caboose from Richmond Controls and realized I forgot about the lame rapidos. I probably would have asked RC to convert it if possible. What type of MT couplers do I need to convert? Do they make assembled versions I can snap in instead of having to assemble the coupler myself? I really don't need another date with the spring from hell. Thank you.
That appears to be an older car that has the metal lid on the coupler box that is held in place by 2 metal tabs on the top side. Option one is to buy the MT conversion kit (1128?) and install it in the existing box. Option 2 would be to cut the existing boxes off the car and body mount some 1015 couplers. Option 3 would have been to cut the existing boxes off and found new trucks with couplers, but since you obviously just spent some bucks having lighting added to the caboose, that option is out the door. If it was me, I'd go for option 1......those kits aren't too bad to install in that type of box.
Christopher, I feel your pain with the elusive springs. I have hundreds of them hiding in unknown places in my work shop. Can't say that I have ever found one after its launch into space. The link below is for someone who has two assembled Micro Trains 1015 couplets. For me, it would be worth avoiding the frustration. Good luck. Check this out on eBay! MicroTrains 1015-1 N Assembled Universal Mount Couplers (Pack of 2) https://www.ebay.com/itm/3940018612...cSOw2JRvG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=EMAIL
Christopher, I feel your pain with the elusive springs. I have hundreds of them hiding in unknown places in my work shop. Can't say that I have ever found one after its launch into space. The link below is for someone who has two assembled Micro Trains 1015 couplets. For me, it would be worth avoiding the frustration. Good luck. Check this out on eBay! MicroTrains 1015-1 N Assembled Universal Mount Couplers (Pack of 2) https://www.ebay.com/itm/3940018612...cSOw2JRvG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=EMAIL
Found one of my cabooses that appears the same as yours...........it doesn't appear too hard to cut the coupler box off to mount 1015s. On the other hand, if you screw it up, you will have a fancy lighted caboose with no couplers, or worse, if you damage the floor, you could end up with a piece of scrap. The last one of these I did, I thought it was easier than assembling 1015 couplers. Unimates would also work, but usually I just use those for cars I seldom if ever uncouple......a caboose doesn't normally fit that desription.
I've chewed up two of those cars trying to grind off the pocket, and I am somewhat handy. IMHO option 1 is the way to go.
Hmmm so it looks like both options are risky for me, take a chance with the spring and assembly or hacking up the caboose for the 1015 assembled couplers. I may look for a pro on this one and pay - I shoulda been paying more attention before sending this off but that ship has sailed.
i can put micro-trains in it for you. i have them here and you would be looking at 10.00 total to do it
A possible 4th option, if the rapidos can twist out, could be to install Kato couplers. Check out part number 11-702. Basically a bunch of couplers on a sprue. Put them together, insert it into the coupler box perpendicular to the ground, and then gently twist it in place. I use them sometimes when I come across an older model I “must” have. They appear to hold on to other brands (MTs, accumates) just fine. Haven’t had any issues. They look “good enough”. Only draw back is that you don’t really have the option for magnetic uncoupling. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk