MicroTrains couplers - Unassembled

[carmelmodelrr]

Over the last few years I've bought assembled MT trucks (1030, 1031, etc).  I'm in the market to buy some more but it's been a long time, if ever, that I've bought these trucks/couplers unassembled.  How difficult is assembly?  Is the extra price for assembled worth it?  (Remember I'm not getting any younger...)

Richard Wroblewski
carmelmodelrr

[learmoia]

I didnt know you could get the trucks/couplers unassembled?

What is the cost difference between unassembled and bulk pack of assembled.

Couplers (1015s, ect) are easy to do, but Truck/coupler assemblies are tricky.

Take one apart and try to reassemble it..

Unless your saving 50% I'd just buy assembled.. (they are that big of a PITA)

~Ian

[narrowminded]

If you're going to assemble yourself I'd recommend the assembly tool.  If you have a LOT to do it could be worth it.  Otherwise...

[Missaberoad]

I don't think micro trains sells unassembled trucks... 

Assembling the couplers is pretty easy once you get the hang of it... Like @narrowminded said the assembly fixture is worth getting...

[carmelmodelrr]

Oops.  I saw the trucks without couplers on sale and just assumed that you could buy unassembled couplers, too.  Don't think so.  Sorry.

Richard Wroblewski
carmelmodelrr

[BCR 570]

If you are talking about trucks with couplers mounted, I believe that those only come assembled.

Some trucks without couplers (Bettendorf, Barber) come un-assembled in bulk packs, and many of the coupler types also come un-assembled in bulk packs.

The trade-off is lower cost for more time required to assembled them.


Tim

[JanesCustomTrain]

The best thing with unassembled couplers are the trip pins. They come in a nice matte black color and not that awful shiny copper color the assembled ones are delivered with. Even when I cut the trip pins off the copper color still bothers me and needs some paint to hide. Yes, I can be very difficult   

Jane 

[MetroRedLine]

I've gone over a decade without the assembly jig. But decided to buy it after all.

Let's just say that I utter far fewer cuss words when assembling Micro-Trains couplers now.

[Cajonpassfan]

So out of curiosity, what’s the difference in street price between equivalent assembled an unassembled MT couplers for say a dozen couplers? It’s not a loaded question, it’s been a long time since I purchased either, just trying  to understand the value of assembly labor (it is labor to me, not something I particularly enjoy doing even though I assembled many in my younger, poorer days). Years ago, when gainfully employed, I recall deciding I didn’t want my limited and precious hobby time wasted on things like coupler assembly. Now that I’m retired, maybe it’s time to rethink that decision. So what is the verdict? I’m talking couplers only.
Otto K.

[Missaberoad]

Using the 1015 as an example.

2 pairs assembled vs 10 pairs kit

[CRL]

Street price? You mean from the guy hanging out in the corner with a couple of n-scale boxcars dangling from the overhead telephone wires?

[Cajonpassfan]

Using the 1015 as an example.

2 pairs assembled vs 10 pairs kit

Okay, thanks, so in this instance of 2 pack vs. 10 pack, one would save about $3.30 a pair assembling one’s own, if my math is right. Not a bad deal if one could do a dozen or more an hour (including set up time etc).
And, lol CRL, by “street price” I meant this, an online retailer...for all I know, they hang out in neighborhoods with stuff hanging off the overhead
Otto K.

[ksmiley]

When you buy the unassembled couplers, buy a set of spare coupler springs as well. They tend to disappear, and aren't worth looking for....

[djconway]

I bit the bullet maybe 40 years ago and have been buying the un-assembled couplers.  Back then the difference wasn't as big but over 1000 freight cars later it adds up.
It seems to me that the assembly jig is setup for the 1025 type couplers where the spring is in back of the pivot post.  But with practice a 10 pack can be assembled in less than an hour on a TV tray while watching tv.

Also the part counting technology is not %100 you do accumulate spares over time.

[Maletrain]

... with practice a 10 pack can be assembled in less than an hour on a TV tray while watching tv.

So, you can "earn" $33.00 per hour assembling couplers, and you get TV "benefits".  And, you don't have to pay Uncle Sam any taxes on those "earnings", which makes them worth more like $49.00 per hour, depending on your marginal tax rate. Of course, if your significant other is not sympathetic to model railroading, that might be viewed as spending $12.49 per hour to fiddle with your hands when you could just be relaxing and watching TV.  "Economics" has a lot of non-objective aspects.