Lionel 6-18009 New York Central L3-A Mohawk #3000 upgrade Questions

Dave,

Normally, I measure the length of the existing coupler length and then decide which one to buy. Most of the engines that I need ElectroCouplers for need a 2", but some I've found some can have a 1.85" for closer, more realistic coupling.

Either will do the job; ERR website will show length. The shorter the better, almost always. I used to get an even better-looking, shorter Electrocoupler (1.5") from Bill at Modern Toy Train Parts, but he died last year or so.

Typical MTH Protocouplers are interchangeable with Electrocouplers, electrically and in mount-type, for future reference.

You can't make a big or expensive mistake here; pick one - or two! - and try it.

D500 posted:

Typical MTH Protocouplers are interchangeable with Electrocouplers,electrically and in mount-type, for future reference.

Not really!  The older PS1 couplers are compatible with Lionel, however the PS/2 or PS/3 couplers are NOT, they're much lower impedance and require lower voltage and more current than the Lionel models.  The will usually kill the coupler triac on the R2LC if you try to use them.

Measure the coupler, if it's less than three ohms, it's a PS/2, if it's over 5 ohms, it's a Lionel or PS/1, those can be used interchangeably.

Well, took me a bit but I did some measuring, but not sure what any of it means. I did talk with Ken via email at Electric Railroad Company. He said measure from closed knuckle to rear(not the hole) but I am not sure I know anything more than before. I used #3005(18064) as a comparison and it looks like the entire drawbar is different underneath attached to the trucks. I took some other shots above as well as upside down(trying to keep a steady hand, lol) to get the best possible measurement. That looks like it is 2" on #3000, right? 1.85" would probably work drawing it in just a tad bit more(?)

#3005's drawbar is longer overall, but still is about the same it looks like just because of the difference in the assembly.

Last picture is the left side piston which had an accident a number of years ago smacking the radiator pipe while running under the Christmas Tree back in the 90's. Any suggestions on paint job fix(would my local train store be able to patch it?), I am a terrible paint toucher upper, lol

Dave,

I'd go for the 1.85" coupler. I have had quite a few engines similar to the 1990 Mohawk that do great with the shorter coupler, like the Mikado and T-1.

It looks like the 1998 Mohawk used a similar mounting assembly to the 700E Hudson. Not sure why...

Mikado 4501 posted:

Dave,

I'd go for the 1.85" coupler. I have had quite a few engines similar to the 1990 Mohawk that do great with the shorter coupler, like the Mikado and T-1.

It looks like the 1998 Mohawk used a similar mounting assembly to the 700E Hudson. Not sure why...

Yeah, that is my thought too. I sent it over to Ken at ERRC to see if he thinks either would work, my guess is a yes. Tomorrow I will have to call the one place by me that is authorized by ERRC to do all this and see if they have all of what I need. I am terrible at doing any electrical work that involves soldering irons and wiring like this would be. Best leave it to someone who won't mess it up 5 times before getting it right, lol.

Well, I heard back from Ken today, he says the 2" one. Sort of think that if I do go with the 1.85", it would look much like this but stick out a bit. Does that seem about right or sensible?

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/prZSWCji_UM/maxresdefault.jpg

I kind of doubt it would be THAT recessed.

I've swapped engines that used to have 2 inch ones with 1.85 inch ones, and the difference is  good, but not ridiculous looking like that.

Plus, as far as I know, ERR's 2" couplers are still on back order.

I think it would be sticking out maybe in the middle part of the coupler, the solid part not where it is opened up. That would still leave probably about a 1/2" sticking out or better just by eyeballing it. I can always ask the shop where I am going to get it done and see if they can give me a preview.

Well, I talked with the guy at the shop and he agrees with the advice of you all here on the forum with the 1.85" coupler. Unfortunately this is going to take some time to get done because there are 40 engines that they have to do yet, so a little wait time on my end. He figures that is 8 weeks of backlog(they have one guy that does the work I think he said), so he asked me to call back in 6 weeks to schedule. I have no problem waiting as I told him, so I can get some other stuff done in the meantime. I am going to have to pop this on the rails for some run time to see how it sounds to compare to what it will become, just for posterity, lol. I know it will sound better, but just want something to have on record so to speak. See what comes in the coming weeks.