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I just received the new legacy southern trainmaster diesel engines...beautiful...great sounds and operation...but the rear coupler does not work. It makes the uncoupling sounds but does not buzz or open like the front coupler does.  It is the #6-81215 model...I probably will not go to the hassle of sending back to lionel...are these easy to replace without removing the body or trucks?  Anyone run into this?...or have suggestions of what to try?...Thanks.

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If there is a "sound effect", the board is getting the signal, but if the coupler does not even buzz or vibrate it indicates that no power is being sent from the board. If if vibrates/buzzes,

there is a mechanical problem with the coupler mechanism.

 

I received a Legacy U28C recently with a buzzing but non-opening coupler. I kept hitting Uncouple and nudging the knuckle - gentle pulling, plus a solid thump with my finger every so often. It now works. Was stuck. A little graphite dry lube is good.

 

But - if there is no buzz: coupler unplugged from board (remove body to see)

                                   broken wire on/in/to coupler (unplug and test -coupler only- with

                                   a little DC)  

                                   bad circuit on board (new board)

 

Typically the truck needs to be removed to remove the coupler, but maybe the pilot

will do. I'm not familiar with the Trainmaster's architecture, but they are all pretty

much the same, at least they used to be.

 

Removing and re-installing the coupler is not hard - it just takes patience, a small screwdriver to remove the retaining clip (watch that spring!) and common sense.

Re-installing is the same, plus pliers (for snapping the ring) and typically a healthy dose of words we don't use here.

                            

Last edited by D500

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