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Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: cwex on December 26, 2016, 03:15:02 PM

Title: coupler on acela express
Post by: cwex on December 26, 2016, 03:15:02 PM
Just purchased a acela express ho set .every now and then the passenger train car coupler come undone. looks like a poor design?
Title: Re: coupler on acela express
Post by: Bucksco on December 28, 2016, 10:35:04 AM
Make sure your track is level - this may help.
Title: Re: coupler on acela express
Post by: jbrock27 on December 30, 2016, 07:46:46 AM
CW, how does the height of the couplers on the cars compare to each other?

Do the couplers have a metal coil (tiny spring) on the knuckle?

Any elevation to your layout?
Title: Re: coupler on acela express
Post by: cwex on December 30, 2016, 08:36:41 AM
Just a plastic rod
Title: Re: coupler on acela express
Post by: jbrock27 on December 30, 2016, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: cwex on December 30, 2016, 08:36:41 AM
Just a plastic rod

Those are fraught with issues.  Better to replace them with ones that have the metal coupler spring, which would be EZ Mate Mark IIs or ones made by Kadee.  Before installation, place a teeny tiny drop of CA ("Crazy") Glue GEL on the end of the spring nearest the shank and it will help keep the spring from popping off the knuckle.

And how about the other questions I had?
Title: Re: coupler on acela express
Post by: Len on December 30, 2016, 11:08:33 PM
I think the OP is talking about these, that are basically two NEM shanks tied together:

(http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/images/ho_parts/H19410-1.jpg)

They can be replaced with the 78035 EZ-Mate Mk-II NEM coupler to allow easy uncoupling, and for operation on tighter curves.

(http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/78035.jpg)

The Kadee #18 or #19 NEM couplers should also work.

Len

Title: Re: coupler on acela express
Post by: cwex on December 31, 2016, 10:07:36 AM
Thank you!
Title: Re: coupler on acela express
Post by: jbrock27 on December 31, 2016, 10:48:14 AM
You're welcome!  Any time :)

Have a Happy New Year!