Front Couplers on Steam Engines

I think when it comes to proto or any operating couplers couplers, the only steamers with them on front would be the switchers.  I know most Lionel's come with a dummy coupler that you can mount on the front for double heading, not sure about MTH.  I know there was an article somewhere about mounting a coupler on the front of a postwar steamer for double heading, but I can't remember what run it was.  I'm thinking it was last year some time, but I could be wrong.

I added a coupler to the front of my MTH RK 2-8-0.

Cut the dummy and made a brass shank.

the couplers that come on the Lionel steamers are scale.  Lionel includes a o gauge coupler if you want to double head two engines.

David from Dearborn did a neat article on how to put a coupler on to a PW engine. I think he also shot a video which may be on U tube. Hopefully he will chime in to confirm.

MIKE

Here is a pic of an MTH dummy PN DD-0000053 added to an RTR 2-8-0.

I first cut off the cast coupler using a dremel, then filed a flat in the casting. Then drilled and tapped the screw hole, and touched up the paint.

As was said typically MTH 0-8-0 and 0-6-0 switchers have front operating couplers.They are neat because you can operate them from your handheld just like the rear couplers.

Rod

Proto couplers vice?

Regular manual O gauge couplers.

The  article on adding a front coupler appeared in the December 2010 OGR Magazine.

Here is a of video of double headed Lionel steam engines that were coupled using this technique.  Since the coupler is attached to the leading truck and not the front of the engine, the coupler will easily remain centered through the curves.  My layout has all tight 027 diameter curves and this technique works fine.

Here is a second video of Lionel Double Headed Steam.

http://youtu.be/u0Wb-DkGLDY

Thanks for the info.  I would have never thought to look back that far. Time flys...

Ron