Micro Trains 2004 coupler in the 1015 box question. :scared:

[djconway]

I need to add the under slung couplers to several cabooses.
I have the 2004 couplers on hand. The 2004's have heat weld coupler boxes, the 1015's have a snap close box.

Has anyone tried putting the 2004 coupler in the 1015 box? Does it work? Well?

I've managed to weld the coupler to the box while trying to put the 2004's together, so if putting the 2004 coupler in the 1015 box works I would be a happier camper.

[bbussey]

A 2004 coupler will fit in a 1015 box and visa versa.

Likewise with a 1019 coupler/box and a 1016 box/coupler.

[NtheBasement]

Weird that on my MTL trucks with couplers, non of the boxes are welded OOTB.

[bbussey]

For 50+ years, the coupler boxes on the truck-mounted couplers always have been of a snap-on design. Only the original 1023 couplers were welded together.

[Bill H]

Has anyone tried putting the 2004 coupler in the 1015 box? Does it work? Well?

I have done that many times, sometimes it is just what you need to put MTs on a Bachmann or even a KATA Mike tender or for some locos. Zero problems. Fits just fine. Honest.

[djconway]

Worked out well, my caboose couplers now ride at the same hight as everything else.

[u18b]

I've also done this many times.

[sp org div]

But if you have the old 1015/1016 kits they arent compatible with the newer boxes
When MT went to their Hefty size knuckles (with the rev draft) they increased the thickness of the shanks also
I hoarded a bunch once I saw how huge they had become (post 90’s?) 
Likely a non issue for most but just found out swapping guts on a 2004 box for an es44ac

[peteski]

But if you have the old 1015/1016 kits they arent compatible with the newer boxes
When MT went to their Hefty size knuckles (with the rev draft) they increased the thickness of the shanks also
I hoarded a bunch once I saw how huge they had become (post 90’s?) 
Likely a non issue for most but just found out swapping guts on a 2004 box for an es44ac

I really didn't notice that the new couplers are *THAT* much larger. But at some point MTL also changed size of the trip pins.  The older ones were thicker, so if you loose a trip pin from the older couplers the new one will not stay in the coupler.

[bbussey]

Guys, the design has been around for over half a century, which is mind-boggling if you think of it from that perspective.  It is illogical to assume that there would not have been modifications along the way, and to expect components from 30 years ago to be mechanically compatible with the components of today simply isn't reasonable.  All that matters is that the 1968 design is operationally compatible with the 2023 design and every design in between, and it is.

[peteski]

Guys, the design has been around for over half a century, which is mind-boggling if you think of it from that perspective.  It is illogical to assume that there would not have been modifications along the way, and to expect components from 30 years ago to be mechanically compatible with the components of today simply isn't reasonable.  All that matters is that the 1968 design is operationally compatible with the 2023 design and every design in between, and it is.

I just mentioned that the trip pins have also been modified (because I got burned by that).  No complaints (well, at least not loud complaints - maybe a small grumble). 

[nkalanaga]

Prototype couplers have also changed over the last 50 (and 100+) years, but they're also "backwards compatible".  Standard gauge knuckle couplers from the 1910s will still work with today's, although it would be a very good idea to put the car at the rear of the train!