Adding electro-coupler to Powered engine of ABA set

Joe K-

I've done this kind of modification on Lionel TMCC-equipped Alco PA units. Most motherboards have two sockets for couplers - one for the front and one for the rear. Most A units have a dummy rear coupler, so the rear coupler socket is usually left empty. If you plug a coupler into this socket and trigger the rear coupler to open, it should work.

Naturally I'm assuming the Proto 2/3 motherboard has a similar socket to TMCC-equipped locomotives. Barry or one of the other MTH experts here should be able to confirm if there is an unused socket for the rear coupler on the A unit.

-John

You'll want to include a switch for the rear electrocoupler, as when it's in the A-B-A consist, you won't want that coupler firing.

I don't modify MTH stuff much, but this should be eminently do-able. Find the plug

for the rear coupler (look at another loco?) and plug it in. Not sure about the dummy

coupler mount - probably a standard/typical, but maybe without all the centering

hardware...?

Da Bay can be a parts source...also, anywhere a Protocoupler can

go, an Electrocoupler (Lionel) can - I've upgraded locos with one of each (Protocouplers are quieter). Same mounting method, so Modern Toy Train Parts (ERR kits)

might be helpful. 

You may have to do some fiddling with springs and plugs and such, but that's what we're all about, isn't it?

The wires for the rear coupler may or may not be there, since it came stock without it.  The couplers are driven from 12 pin connector on the DCS board.  The rear coupler is on pin 8, so if that pin has a wire, follow it to the end.

I will remove the shell of both my powered and non-powered units to see how things are connected. I am thinking that adding a new electro uncoupler will be better than relocating the one on the Dummy unit, as this keeps the option of running ABA still open.

thanks for your help: Joe K