Current Atlas FA Coupler Question

[CBQ Fan]

I am wondering if there is a direct swap out Micro-Trains coupler for the stock Atlas couplers? 

[learmoia]

I am wondering if there is a direct swap out Micro-Trains coupler for the stock Atlas couplers?

Atlas: What is a Magnematic 

[bbussey]

#1015. Same as it has been since Life-Like introduced the model decades ago. You can use the existing clips or screws, or swap the clips for #00-90 screws, depending on which iteration you have, either fastener works.

[CBQ Fan]

#1015. Same as it has been since Life-Like introduced the model decades ago. You can use the existing clips or screws, or swap the clips for #00-90 screws, depending on which iteration you have, either fastener works.

Thank you, Bryan.  That is what I had wondered and I appreciate the confirmation! 

[nkalanaga]

I got mine today, a pair of BN renumbers.  The rear couplers work fine.  The front couplers will couple with each other, but very few other cars.  I think I'll have to replace them.  It looks like the boxes haven't closed completely, allowing the coupler to sag.

[CBQ Fan]

After digging into it more I found that when under load the shell shifts just a bit and that causes a minor misalignment. Not enough for a decouple but enough to look funky. Interestingly when I put the B unit behind a back to back A units it is almost a nonissue. So an interesting take on an ABA consist! 

[bbussey]

Interesting. The mounting design of the shell has not changed, as all LL shells snap on without modification. I upgraded my vintage New Haven and Lehigh New England units. The only body-related tooling that is different/altered is the windshield glass, as the original tooling was damaged or lost. The windshield wiper configuration is different. I prefer the LL windshield wiper detail, but the new arrangement isn’t horrible.

Note that the numberboard illumination works with the vintage LL shells as well because they also have clear lenses with the engine numbers printed on the front face. I was pleasantly surprised when I first put the upgraded NH FAs on the track.

[nkalanaga]

I put 1015s on the front of mine, and they work much better.  Changing them was easy, no need to take anything apart.  Loosen the screw (it can stay in the coupler), pull the box out from the back, slide the new one in (it takes some twisting to get the coupler and pin through the pilot), and put the screw back in.  My 1015s were salvaged from something else, and had Philips head screws already in them, so I used those.