I was checking out the new train, adding cars one at a time, and this coupler immediately broke on the second of the four passenger cars. I can't find any information in terms of parts on the Lionel site for this car. Both the knuckle and the "body" of the coupler are broken at the "ears" where the rivet goes. Do you think there's a chance I can get and replace only the coupler, i.e. the two cast parts that are broken?
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That's an easy fix.
Hmmm...now I need to expand the search to include 1/48 ratchet straps.
How much switching do you subject your passenger cars to? Is an operating coupler necessary? Early Williams passenger cars came with fixed couplers. Depending on your limiting radius, a fixed coupler attached to the body of the car may get you back in business. The shank can be cut to the desired length or the hole for the screw may be drilled to provide the desired length. John in Lansing, ILL
Rattler21, that's a possibility, however it's a brand-new, fresh-out-of-the-box set, and I'd like to keep it as original as possible for a while anyway. Since it's only going to run round and round the Christmas tree in the near future, I suppose I could literally tie the couplers together like Wild Mary said...at least until January.
I bought it from an individual as NIB and it certainly appeared that way. Can't really fault him.
Perhaps there's a lesson in that. The individual probably can't help me like a dealer could.
Based on your picture, it appears that the casting may have been defective. I would give Lionel customer service a call and explain what you have. They may be able to help you.
Unfortunate to have a brand new item broken.
2 thoughts if it isn’t worth replacing to have an operable coupler...
If the observation car has a coupler on the end, swap the truck out with that one And/or glue the coupler closed with PC7 or JB weld.
Guys, this is exactly the kind of help I was hoping for. I'll call Lionel tomorrow (Monday) and see what happens. Thanks to you, I have several options.
Rex
As WMCWOOD said, worse case, swap the truck for the tail of the observation car, for now. The Lionel 50% off warehouse sale should be November 2, 3 and 4.
rattler21 posted:How much switching do you subject your passenger cars to? Is an operating coupler necessary? Early Williams passenger cars came with fixed couplers. Depending on your limiting radius, a fixed coupler attached to the body of the car may get you back in business. The shank can be cut to the desired length or the hole for the screw may be drilled to provide the desired length. John in Lansing, ILL
Yes. If the train is more-or-less permanent, as so many passenger trains are in model railroading, especially 3RO, a dummy coupler should do just fine. EBay has such parts. It won't be a drop-in fit, almost certainly, but getting it to be reliably functional (attached) should not be too hard.
Matter of fact, there is a dummy coupler that came with the engine to put on the front in place of the prototypical coupler in case you want to lash-up. That one might work if it comes down to it.
Do any of you know how the coupler is attached to the swing-arm? It sits down in a channel where I suppose it's screwed, glued or riveted.
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