I recently purchased an O scale standard Lionel all metal tender. The rear coupler keeps opening up. I have no need to open it and would just want to prevent it from opening. Can anyone suggest a way of keeping it closed. It pulls what I would consider a normal amount of freight cars, and none of the other cars have this problem.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Quick fixes include rubber bands, twist ties, and gluing the knuckle shut.
Studying the uncoupling mechanism and how it operates will lead to determining the cause, and the solution. Usually weak springs or faulty knuckles are the culprit.
If you can post pictures of the truck including the uncoupling mechanism, it will help determine the design, and ultimately the fix. If not, the product number may help determine what truck/uncoupling mechanism is used.
Larry
I posted a fix for Lionel magnetic couplers a few weeks ago. I thought the guys were going to jump on it like a chicken on a June bug, but it didn't get much attention. Without knowing what type of coupler you have, I cannot advise you.
If you have a magnetic coupler like the metal post war couplers, your coupler can be modified so it will stay shut. The modification is quick and easy and does not require disassembly of anything. The post is "Fixing Lionel magnetic couplers so they stay closed"
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