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Frustrating coupler issue :)

SelrahcSelrahcOGR Forum Member

First, hi all.  This is my first time posting here.  I often look in to see what all the experts have to say.

 

I'm having an issue with a coupler releasing when it shouldn't.  This isn't the usual "rebuild it" problem.  It's rather odd.

This is on a Lionel 2929  GP38 Norfolk Southern diesel. The rear coupler would just release for no reason.  First, I rebuilt it. No good. Next I ordered two from Lionel and replaced it.  It still did it.  In fact, I put two new ones in and they both did it.  I've run the train backwards and it pulls cars just fine.  I'm tempted to just put the front coupler on the rear but  I'm stubborn, besides, the front coupler doesn't have the disc and won't work on the uncoupling track.

 

So, my questions is mainly: Has anyone else had this problem? 

 

Thanks for any advice!

 

Best regards.

Charlie

 

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SelrahcSelrahcOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by JohnS:

I had a similar problem. the culprit was a bad roller spring on one of the passenger cars I was pulling. the roller spring had no tension and let the roller bounce. sometimes when it bounced up it would cause an arc against the truck frame. this small spark would mimic the uncouple command and open the coupler. check your rollers and anything that might be causing a tiny spark.

 

Thank you.  Great advice and I will do it.  I have to mention though that I can cause these couplers to release by flicking outward on them with my fingernail.  I can't get the front one to do it.

Maybe I'll just glue it SHUT!

juniata guyjuniata guyOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Charlie:

Rather than gluing it shut, cut a piece of black sewing thread and tie it shut.  I've done this with cars and engines.  Just be sure to position the engine upside down so the knot won't be visible and use a double knot when you tie it off.

The black blends with the coupler and, even if you end up with a bit of thread dangling, it's looks kind of like a brake hose hanging there.

Curt
SelrahcSelrahcOGR Forum Member

Thanks Curt.  I was joking about gluing it but I certainly appreciate the idea.  I'm going to do some tests now with weighted cars that have no contact rollers so I can eliminate that as a possibility (no matter how slim).  Then, I'm going to put the front coupler on the rear until I can figure this out.  I've sent Lionel a mail about it since I just bought those couplers.

 

T TrainLarryOGR Forum Member

Usually this is caused by a bad uncoupling armature (the plastic piece with the thumbtack on it). If there is not enough upward 'spring' in it, the coupler will not lock closed, and will open improperly. As chessie1971 says, pop out the armature, and try bending it upwards to give it a bit more spring to it. Usually the armature needs to be replaced, and be done with it. Note that many replacement armatures may fail brand new, so you may need to get a bunch to get a good one.

 

Larry

ReadingFanReadingFanOGR Forum Member

The fact that you replaced the coupler makes me think that the problem could be an imperfection in the coupler casting. Compare the front and rear couplers CLOSELY and see if anything interferes with the coupler remaining closed.

 

I also like juniata guy's suggestion about tying a coupler closed with black sewing thread. I did that and it works fine.

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