Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: Emile on April 28, 2008, 10:02:43 AM

Title: N Gauge Coupler Compatibility Atlas to Bachmann, Athern to Bachmann, etc.
Post by: Emile on April 28, 2008, 10:02:43 AM
Can anyone tell me which N gauge rolling stock couplers are compatible to other N gauge rolling stock couplers.  I am 70 years old new at Model Railroading buiilding a layout for my Great-Grandson.  The couplers for Atlas, Bachmann, Model Power, Athearn, Walthers, eyc.
Title: Re: N Gauge Coupler Compatibility Atlas to Bachmann, Athern to Bachmann, etc.
Post by: SteamGene on April 28, 2008, 10:45:19 AM
I'm not an N gauger, but couplers are compatable as long as they are of the same type.  By that, N gauge has a non realistic standard coupler and a realistic knuckle coupler.  As long as you stick with the same type, you will be fine. 
Enjoy working with your great grandson.
Gene
Title: Re: N Gauge Coupler Compatibility Atlas to Bachmann, Athern to Bachmann, etc.
Post by: Conrail Quality on April 28, 2008, 05:20:02 PM
Newer stock from the manufacturers you just mentioned all come with knuckle couplers. However, older equipment may come with Rapido couplers, which are not compatible with the knuckle couplers. The only way to know for certain is to see the model itself.

Timothy
Title: Re: N Gauge Coupler Compatibility Atlas to Bachmann, Athern to Bachmann, etc.
Post by: SteamGene on April 28, 2008, 06:41:26 PM
I assume it's as easy to swap the Rapido for the knuckle as it is to swap the horn hook for the Kadee in HO.
Gene
Title: Re: N Gauge Coupler Compatibility Atlas to Bachmann, Athern to Bachmann, etc.
Post by: Conrail Quality on April 28, 2008, 08:20:47 PM
More or less. However, there are a few odballs out there (mainly some of the Life-Like and Con-Cor stuff from a decade ago) that are virtually impossible to convert. Micro-Trains (the N-Scale Kadee) has some instructions on their site for conversions, but they are not nearly as helpful as they could be.

Timothy
Title: Re: N Gauge Coupler Compatibility Atlas to Bachmann, Athern to Bachmann, etc.
Post by: hobo1 on May 09, 2008, 09:57:12 PM
easier to replace the trucks with atlas 100 ton roller bearing trucks with knuckle couplers
Title: Re: N Gauge Coupler Compatibility Atlas to Bachmann, Athern to Bachmann, etc.
Post by: Conrail Quality on May 09, 2008, 10:19:46 PM
Quote from: hobo1 on May 09, 2008, 09:57:12 PM
easier to replace the trucks with atlas 100 ton roller bearing trucks with knuckle couplers

But what if it's a locomotive? Or a passenger car?

Timothy