MTH coupler issue

Micro hairband is the typical fix for me and fellow club members.  You cannot tighten the screw more than already bottomed out.

Heck, I even zip tie some if I don't have bands.

Anyone have the problem of manually opening the coupler on the track...only to have the plate come too low and short the track?! Check the clearance from plate to track on many, and it is only a very small gap. And yes, a wire or a tie is the answer to a lazy coupler. I have never tried taking that screw out, and filing or grinding a small amount off of the end so that it is shorter before it bottoms. I might try that on a couple that I have and see what happens. OR...take the spring and stretch it a bit and put back on!!

Greg

I have had thumbtacks hit the center rail and spark. Next time I see it, I'm going to try nail polish on the bottom of the tack to see what happens. So far, I've just ignored it. I also put micro hair bands on any car coupler that opens during operation. You can put these on so tight that you can't open the coupler manually, so there is a sweet spot to the tension.

yes, thank you. This seems to work.

@Ken Wing posted:

I have had thumbtacks hit the center rail and spark. Next time I see it, I'm going to try nail polish on the bottom of the tack to see what happens. So far, I've just ignored it. I also put micro hair bands on any car coupler that opens during operation. You can put these on so tight that you can't open the coupler manually, so there is a sweet spot to the tension.

Ken, I have used a piece of electrical tape in the past. I might take a screw out and grind some off of the end, plus stretch the spring, this weekend.

Greg

I used tape on a loco above the pickup rollers to prevent shorts, but although it worked, I was never satisfied with it.

@Ken Wing posted:

I have had thumbtacks hit the center rail and spark. Next time I see it, I'm going to try nail polish on the bottom of the tack to see what happens. So far, I've just ignored it. I also put micro hair bands on any car coupler that opens during operation. You can put these on so tight that you can't open the coupler manually, so there is a sweet spot to the tension.

Let me know how that polish works out. Probably more permanent than my tape. I may have to grab a tube of clear.

Thanks, Greg

Liquid Tape is your friend.

The cow catcher on my new Lionel Berkshire was hitting the center rail on one of my 072 switches popping the circuit breaker.

Dabbed a little Liquid Tape on the bottom edge of the catcher, let it dry and away we go. Easy fix and no modifications required. Plus, this stuff is pretty durable.