I have a question on coupler from a newbe. There are only two types of coupler used in z-scale (Marklin and MTL) out there, right? If so, which is easier to convert? Covert the Marklin coupler on a Marklin car to MTL coupler? Or, Covert a MTL coupler on a MTL car into a Marklin coupler? Thanks, Tsa
I have tried both and it is difficult either way. I think the best bet is to make a peice of rolling stock set up with one side marklin, the other MT so you can trasition the two with that car.
On my trasition car I used a marklin gondola, and I took the marklin coupler off by removing the metal plate. I then took Micro-trains couplers, (I can't remember which number ) and superglued them in position. The result is I have a knuckle on one side that is frozen tight, but will mate with any working micro-trains coupler. On the other side the marklin lobster claw.
I go with the Micro-Trains couplers. If I purchase a "Z" rollingstock with Marklin, I change it quickly. I prefer the prototypical design and look over the huge eery Marklin design. Note: AZL is coming out with their own style of couplers now. Will be equipped on all of their future releases of locos and rollingstock. I hear they are compatible with MTL couplers. Not for certain though! Tim
The easiest way to make a transition car is to buy a MTL car with a Marklin coupler, and replace one coupler with a MTL coupler. No fuzzing around with the coupler box. Also its lot easier, no super glue, because everything is made by MTL.
This sounds good to me. Any suggestion as to which type of cars will look the best all round transition car? Thanks Tsa
Tsa, I prefer a 50' boxcar with a Marklin coupler. Just remove one of the Marklin couplers, and replace it with assemble MTL coupler. No more then five minutes.
Yes, the AZL couplers are compatible with MTL couplers, but they ARE NOT OPERATIONAL. In other words, you cannot automatically couple or uncouple your trains. You must lift and separate to remove a car(like the old 'cross-your-heart' bra). Kind of a pain, but it's saving them a ton of cash, from what I've heard. Personally, I'd rather pay the extra for the MTL couplers, but AZL didn't consult me. The positive aspect of the AZL truckls and couplers will be the METAL wheel sets. Track powered FREDs, here we come! Bryan
AZL might be off to a good thing, how many of you folks actually use the decoupling feature of MTL couplers. I like the details of the MTL coupler but I rather have a more reliable connection while running the trains than to have decoupling feature and have the locos accidentally decouple while running. If MTL comes up with a cheaper couplers like, if the existing coupler is glued from moving sideways there might be a market for it. Just a thought.
Welcome Kim. That might be true about uncoupling, but with the AZL's, I also had problems coupling them together. I think Robert had the same problem.
Hi Kim, Welcome to Trainboard! Yes, I did have problems getting the AZL's coupled. But it is true that when they are coupled, they stay coupled. What I did not try is mix and match with MTL couplers. It may be that coupling an AZL to a MTL might be real easy. I don't know until the Bethgons come out and I test them. -Robert
Yes, it's these metal wheel sets i'm hoping to see in abundance too! We need electrical pickup in all kinds of cars now. -Robert
