Is there a manufacturer's part available or a set of instructions that allows attachment of a useable front coupler to a Railking Steam Engine?
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What loco? I've never gotten a front coupler
All the Imperial Pennsy engines I have a dummy coupler modeled into the front pilot.
Without some major rework on the front pilot could you install a coupler that would work to double head a two Imperial Steam Locomotives.
Also on my engines the dummy coupler that is molded into the pilot is not even at the correct height, actually it is too high so this is a issue also.
It is a shame that there is not a fix for this due tot he fact that MTH DCS system makes it so easy to create what MTH refers to as a Lashup.
I think it is great to have two engines connected on a front of a long freight and the smoke and sounds from the engines are great.
I didn't get a coupler with my 4-6-2 P47 Locomotive (MTH 30-1553-1) and there is simply no way to attach one without significantly modifying the front pilot. I talked to a service tech in Seattle who was not aware of any such MTH part and he described how he did create a coupler for a customer using parts on hand . Following his concept I now have "kitbashed" a functional coupler using MTH fixed coupler PN
D-0000023. A trial and error process at best but it seems to work. I had to cut off the existing cast coupler. Next I shortened and drilled the MTH coupler to insert a swivel pin (2mm machine screw with washer and nut), and round the stub end of the MTH coupler. I then drilled and mounted a brass plate on the original casting to hold the swivel pin which will allow my modified coupler to both mount and swivel. I don't think I will win any prize for my machining effort and as soon as my next Pacific arrives I know how to make my design better. As mentioned. coupler height is an issue. I have been able to push a rotary snow plow with my design but I am wondering if it will hold up (as built) with a "lash up". I would think that MTH could save a lot of customer frustration by machining a slot in the pilot that would allow a coupler similar to that shown to be mounted and to function.
Idon't recall any Russian Decapod in RK Imperial.
Mike, note title of thread: excludes Premier
A guy in our club (National Capital Trackers) has/had a set up on some of his Postwar/MPC stuff. It was a bracket that attached to the lead truck on the engine, came under the cowcatcher and back up with the coupler connected to it. (think "U" shape ). No drilling, special modifications, etc to the body of the locomotive and could easily be removed with no trouble. If interested, I can send him an email asking about it. May have been a home brew job.
As far as I know, I don't believe any aftermarket couplers are out there. Certainly do-able but difficult, depending on the loco.
Hello,
Thanks for the reply. What you suggest is basically what I did (and it works so far). Lot of mechanical stress involved at the point. As you point out (absent machinist skill level above mine) you must cut off the dummy coupler or otherwise alter the model to fabricate a solution. Also, the attached coupler must swivel (and I am not sure the drawing allows that to happen), and it must be at the correct height and not allowed to deflect. Too bad MTH won't engineer a more elegant solution that doesn't require permanently altering the engine.
Excellent subject. Frankly I'm quite surprised this subject hasn't come up for discussion previously on the Forum. To say the least multi-unit 'lash-up' operations for modern diesel units is prototypically commonplace today as it was many years ago for steam engines pulling long freight and passenger consists over challenging gradients. Many railroads such as the Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, PRR, Norfolk & Western and many others commonly coupled 2 or more steam engines together to get over the railroad so I find it somewhat surprising Lionel, MTH and other model train manufacturers haven't made it possible for us to simulate mult-unit steam operations.
Seeing 2 or more steam engines at the head of a long freight consist is very impressive and prototypically correct! Regardless of which toy train 'era' manufacturers should have made it easier for modelers to install a working coupler on steam engine pilots. A dummy pilot coupler may look good on model steam engines but totally useless for prototypical model train operators!
I suspect the absence of front couplers, except on switchers, is due to the fact that O-31 & O-27 track has been so prevalent over the years. On an O-31 layout, I can remeber the center of the pilot on my steamers would extend outdie of the outside rail. Any coupler mounted on the point would tend to cause derailments. In contrast, a switcher, not having a cow catcher (that term should engender a response from Hon. Webmaster
), could have the coupler pivot back further.
RJR,
Good comments!
Hadn't given much thought about the probability of coupler derailments but it makes sense.
Still like the look of seeing tandem steam engines working together on the point.
Absolutely agree.
If you get the scale locomotives, with the higher price tag, they do come with front couplers, from MTH and Lionel. But they don't do it with the lower cost stuff. So to the OP, they do do it, but you have to pay to get it. Do I agree with it, not really as I have several RK locomotives I'd love to run together, but it is something I keep in mind when buying.
I have a RK Imperial 0-8-0 NH switcher, item 30-1611-1. The shank that holds and centers the front coupler has lost one side of the t top that holds the coupler straight. Does anyone know the part number or better still have one available for sale. I've been unable to open any parts list from the mth web side, so thanks in advance if you can help me.
Tom, call Midge at MTH. She can usually put her finger on anything
