Wanting to change the couplers

[Howard1975]

Referring to the MiniTrix FM switcher metal coupler cover plate, the problem is that the top tabs fold over the top of the coupler (not in the photos).  When these are straightened to remove the coupler, as well as bent back to cover the coupler, they often break off.  At lease that is my experience with an earlier FM I converted.  I respect your decision to go retro on couplers.  I have several older N locomotives with factory Arnold Rapido couplers.  I simply use my old conversion beer car to pull the MTL coupler train.  I love an older Arnold Rapido FP-9 undecorated gray plastic.  I look forward to painting it and adding decals for a favorite regional road (Katy or MKT).  It will still retain the factory Rapid couplers for nostalgia.

Thank you, that is good to know before I open it up, and possibly break it. I will wait until I have some more spare parts, before doing surgery. 

[nickelplate759]

If the tabs on the FM do break off (from metal fatigue), you can replace the metal plate with a similar plate from an old Minitrix or similar freight car with Rapido couplers.

[peteski]

If the tabs on the FM do break off (from metal fatigue), you can replace the metal plate with a similar plate from an old Minitrix or similar freight car with Rapido couplers.

I believe  that even the covers used in vintage Atlas (Roco?) cars should work.

[Howard1975]

If the tabs on the FM do break off (from metal fatigue), you can replace the metal plate with a similar plate from an old Minitrix or similar freight car with Rapido couplers.

That is good to know.  I have some spare trucks with rapido couplers I'm not using.

So I guess I do have enough spare parts, including the rapido couplers and springs. I can use the parts from a few spare trucks I'm not using. 

[Howard1975]

I believe  that even the covers used in vintage Atlas (Roco?) cars should work.

Thank you that is good to know.  I have some spare freight car trucks with rapido couplers I'm not using for anything.  I can use the metal covers (and the rapido couplers and springs) to convert my Minitrix and Rapido locomotives.   

[Doug G.]

On the Minitrix, hopefully, the P.O. bent the retainer tabs slowly and be sure you bend them slowly, too. They will be much less likely to break.

And, BTW, I have many old N scale Atlas locos I left with Rapidos and actually changed a couple of mine I had converted to MTs many years ago back to Rapidos just so they are the way they were new. This included my original E8 I bought in 1967. I also left my original 10 or so Atlas cars I bought at around the same time with the Rapidos on them.


Doug