I'm just getting into the hobby with a new/old (still in the box) Bachman Mikado locomotive and Vandy tender....with old-style NMRA couplers on the tender. I've either purchased new or mounted more realistic couplers on a dozen or so cars already (couplers mounted on trucks so the replacement was easy). The coupler on the tender however needs to be replaced as well (and I've pulled it off already).  What is the descrisption in the Backman catalog for the coupler that I need? I tried ordering several varieties from an online hobby shop and got back nothing like I thought I'd ordered..."Dummy Couplers," "Long Shank" with a dozen parts and no instructions. I have no hobby shop nearby that carries what I need. Can I order it online from Bachman? Thanks.

I am new to the hobby. At least ten years ago I was given an N scale Bachmann 2-8-2 Mikado & Vandy Tender (ITEM NO. 54551); it's never been out of the box. Now I've got the time and enthusiasm to get started. I  bought EZ Command, am building a table (4 x 16) and am looking forward to putting down some track and adding other stuff including more engines. What decoder do I order for the Mikado? My local hobby shop gave a shrug when I asked. How difficult is the installation? The tender still has the old NMRA couplers and they look awful. Do most manufacturers' couplers work with each other or does one need to stick only to one brand? Thanks. Ken