K-Line Couplers

I would say go for it. Looks the same to me.

There are subtle difference in the different brand coupler knuckles, however I'm not 100% sure now if the K-Line and Lionel knuckles will interchange.  Sometimes, even old and new Lionel don't interchange!

"I've heard that many K-Line products are interchangeable with Lionel parts."

@TAGurit13, you heard wrong. The parts certainly look similar on first glance, but I assure you most of them are subtly different. Like in the case of the basic motor truck used by K-Line on their starter line of diesels. They look just like the Lionel motor truck assembly, but there are LOTS of subtle differences. Most notable the number of gear teeth on the Lionel DC motor and the K-Line DC motor. So you can't just easily swap out motors and have them work.

On the same type of locomotive, you can swap out a basic F-N-R Lionel e-unit AC/DC circuit board for a K-Line one. But the wires are all different colors, so you have to figure out where they properly go. And the lockout switch is different between K-Line and Lionel boards, so you may have to just cut that off and lose that feature. And the boards themselves are different sizes, so you cannot simply use the K-Line board mount to secure the Lionel board in the locomotive without making some alterations.

In the case of couplers, the K-Line knuckle rivet is a larger diameter than the Lionel one. So you cannot use a K-Line knuckle and rivet in a Lionel coupler, but you could use a Lionel knuckle and rivet in a K-Line truck. BUT then there's the issue of the shape of the underside of the knuckle that engages with the armature pin. The thumbtack coupler armatures are also slightly different between the Lionel and K-Line trucks.

So in summation, it's not impossible, but be prepared to get out the Dremel and having to do some cutting or grinding to make parts work. The shorter coupler arm parts K-Line used for their S-2 switcher and Alco FA2 have long been gone. So I've used other brand parts, but absolutely had to do some grinding and cutting to make them fit.

Thank you all so much!  It's worth giving it a try and Jeff at Train Tender (ttender.com) has the knuckle kits in stock.

Tom

Brassuer trains (thetraindoctor) has the exact part number you are looking for that is the knuckle and rivet set for the k-5001 truck. I know this because I was going to purchase the k-5001 truck he has from him and saw the number you are looking for in stock but found what I needed elsewhere. I think it was only a few dollars but shipping may get you. This was just 2 days ago.

Brad

Thanks Brad.  Called them earlier in the week and although the part is listed, it's outb of stock and not available.  Seems, according to the woman I spoke with, that most of their K-Lines parts are gone.

Thaks for the heads up though

Tom

By the way Brad, did you buy the three K-5001 trucks from the guy on ebay?  They were there than gone 2 days ago....lol

@TAGurit13 posted:

By the way Brad, did you buy the three K-5001 trucks from the guy on ebay?  They were there than gone 2 days ago....lol

No I saw them and missed out. I did get my truck off ebay from the trainz ebay store. It looks identical to what I need. It came up when I search the K-5001 and also had a lionel part number of 620-1395-050 or just 1395-050. If I am getting what is pictured it looks identical and even has the "swirl" looking machine marks on the inside of the black wheels which I've only seen on some kline cars before. Should be here today so will see. I needed one for a 6 car kline coal hopper set that was converted to scale couplers. I need the first coupler to be an ogauge truck coupler. For a transition to prevent derailing as I am on o31 curves. Sorry for misleading you to the Brassuers trains website. Figured it was up to date. If you need one of these trucks I believe they had 5 in stock. They are $10.42 plus $5 shipping. I will look it up again and let you know the easiest way to find it and post back. If I can figure out how to copy the link I will. I'm pretty dumb with computer stuff.

Brad

TAGurit13

Just search ebay for "lionel 1395-50" and it will pop up. 7 available. $10.49 plus $5+ shipping. I will post back when I receive it.

Brad

Here it is

Thanks again Brad.  For now, I'm waiting for a delivery od Lioner replacement knuckles, springs and rivets that are suppose to be interchageable with the K-Line car.  Fingers crossed.

Tom

Great, good luck Tom. I received my truck today and it is the exact truck I have but with the truck mounted ogauge coupler I needed for the one car. Just finished installing and ran it and works perfectly.

Brad

Just a final update, should the topic ever arise again.  The Lionel 480-8 knuckle with  the corresponding spring and rivet are a PERFECT match for the K-Line K-5001 freight truck.  Direct fit, no trimming adjusting or hassle.

Thanks again all for your guidance and advice!

Just an acknowledgement to Jeff at ttender.com  Wealth of knowledge, advice and parts galore.