N scale coupler compatibility?

[Boston&Maine]

My friend is in the Navy and has a small N scale layout, so I want to get him a couple of Navy box cars for Christmas... I have no idea which brand of locomotive he is running now, but the box cars that I am looking at are made by Micro Trains... So, are all N scale couplers compatible?

[shaygetz]

Micro Trains come with knuckle type couplers, so you'll want to stick with that.

[Boston&Maine]

What type of coulpers would cheaper starter sets come with, becuase I am pretty sure that is what he has... I cannot ask too many questions without him becoming suspicious ;)

[shaygetz]

They most like would have the Rapido coupler, a boxy looking thing that will not mate with knuckles. What I do with those is trade them out for Unimates, they'll mate with Micro Trains but are not good for switching maneuvers...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/P7150026.jpg

[Boston&Maine]

He just has a basic oval... I really do not think that he would ever get into switching either... So, how hard are couplers to replace? Are they just held on by a screw? Are all coupler designs compatible with all manufacturers?

[shaygetz]

You can see by the side-by-side that Rapidos will only mate with Rapidos...you're really going to have to figure out a way to see what his set has. Even the newer sets are starting to use knucks. You could always give them with a pack of Unimates with what ever you're planning, they're pretty much a drop in fit.

You now understand why I discourage folks (other than my own little ones) from giving me trains as a gift...unless it's an old kit or antique where it then wouldn't matter about compatibility.

[kmcsjr]

How long has your friend had this train? Except for Bachmann, most US locos have had knuckle couplers for a few years. European and Japanese models would have Rapidos. A sure fire way to be OK with the Microtrains set, is to go to a hobby shop and ask for a compatible truck with a Rapido coupler. This way, your friend could very easily swap 1 truck (wheel set) and have what is called a conversion car. I do it with European locos that I use to pull US cars, or with some older locos, where swapping out the Rapido is too much hassle.

[Boston&Maine]

You can see by the side-by-side that Rapidos will only mate with Rapidos...you're really going to have to figure out a way to see what his set has.

What I was really trying to ask was, would you be able to put Rapidos on a car (like Micro Trains) that had knuckle couplers on it?


How long has your friend had this train? Except for Bachmann, most US locos have had knuckle couplers for a few years. European and Japanese models would have Rapidos. A sure fire way to be OK with the Microtrains set, is to go to a hobby shop and ask for a compatible truck with a Rapido coupler.

He has not had it for more then a year, but he probably bought it used... A compatible truck, I thought that the couplers were mounted to the body frame?

[big ed]

What I was really trying to ask was, would you be able to put Rapidos on a car (like Micro Trains) that had knuckle couplers on it?

If anything you would be better doing just the opposite of what you said.:D




He has not had it for more then a year, but he probably bought it used... A compatible truck, I thought that the couplers were mounted to the body frame?

Ask him to send you a picture so you can see what he's got.:rolleyes:

[Boston&Maine]

Yea, I think I will have to...

[kmcsjr]

microtrains box cars have truck mounted couplers. locos, cabooses ans some passenger stuff goes both ways, but MTL box cars have truck mounted.
Browse these sites for pics

http://blwnscale.com/
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Default.asp

[kmcsjr]

I took some pics. If you know anyone in nscale, they will probably have a pile of couplers with Rapidos.

http://kmrpics.smugmug.com/photos/1122523893_dWCpp-S.jpg

conversion car
http://kmrpics.smugmug.com/photos/1122525407_QN3nZ-S.jpg
http://kmrpics.smugmug.com/photos/1122525017_od5BE-S.jpg

navy boxcars
http://kmrpics.smugmug.com/photos/1122524598_6hHDj-S.jpg

I'll send you a few trucks, if you want, free for a soldier... Thing is, I'm not sure they will be in time for Christmas.
Let me know

[Boston&Maine]

I'll send you a few trucks, if you want, free for a soldier... Thing is, I'm not sure they will be in time for Christmas.
Let me know

Thanks... I will keep this thought in mind and get back to you at a later date if I need the Rapido couplers...

[Boston&Maine]

How do the trucks mount to the body? It is hard to tell from pictures... Do they use a screw of some sort?

[kmcsjr]

How do the trucks mount to the body? It is hard to tell from pictures... Do they use a screw of some sort?

Bos&Me
There is a push pin that holds them in

[Bangor and Aroostook]

First: How'd this work out? (USN '67-'71)
Found this post with a search for Micro Trains. Searched for Micro Trains because I'm under the impression that they're totally USA Made. Pros and/or cons? Good day to highjack a thread? :)