I would like to upgrade the couplers on this engine, but am not sure which ones would work. Does anyone know or have advice as to how I can find out?
Thanks!
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I think you need to measure the length of the coupler from the pivot point to the end. Can anyone else chime in on how the "length" of the coupler assembly is measured? It took me a couple of tries to get the right length when I needed to extend one on an engine to make it work on 36 track it was advertised to work on.
Then find the coupler with the same style pivot mount and length on the Lionel support parts site. They come with wires, but not plugs for the board. You will need to get the plugs also.
Since this uses the LCRU2 control board, then one side or "leg" of each coupler is grounded to frame. Basically, one wire from each coupler front and rear plugged into a single 2 pin socket of the LCRU2.
https://www.lionelsupport.com/...8315-001Complete.pdf
Physical layout
https://www.lionelsupport.com/...ic-Virginian-6-18315
Basically, the coupler style you are looking for was included in the GP9 upgrade kits 6-22961, but you just need the couplers and one 2 pin connector. Sometimes sellers break up these kits and just sell the couplers.
I think you need style mount C with 2.02 inch length https://www.lionelsupport.com/...LENGTH-2.02-3-POS-LD
And this is the connector style to match the LCRU2 socket.
https://www.lionelsupport.com/...-2-POS-2.54-MM-WHITE
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Thank you Vernon!
@VHubbard posted:I think you need to measure the length of the coupler from the pivot point to the end. Can anyone else chime in on how the "length" of the coupler assembly is measured? It took me a couple of tries to get the right length when I needed to extend one on an engine to make it work on 36 track it was advertised to work on.
Then find the coupler with the same style pivot mount and length on the Lionel support parts site. They come with wires, but not plugs for the board. You will need to get the plugs also.
Lionel's diagram on how they measure and different end types
Example search that would give you different lengths
Another way of skinning the cat. Knowing from the parts listing for your engine it uses the standard GP7/9 trucks of the time period, then we look at another engine.
https://www.lionelsupport.com/...-Diesel-2001-6-28527
So I was a fair guess at the 2.01 or 2.02 coupler length. They are saying use a "B" style mount and B and C are pretty close.
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Actually many couplers do come with JST housings. Some with the 2.54mm pictured above as well as the newer ones with 2mm connectors. 2” couplers are pretty common but if you want closer coupling a 1.85” may look better and still have enough swing depending on your curve diameter. Mount type is most important, A,B,C,D, screw mount.
Pete
Thanks everyone!
Just want to thank everyone again. I did the coupler upgrade this morning, very easy thanks to Vernon's diagrams and notes! All is working well.
Burl since everyone except MTH Proto 2-3 use about 8.3 ohm couplers I have replaced all Lionel or Atlas engine couplers with MTH Proto 1 couplers when the original couplers fail. The MTH couplers work better and open with enough force to kick the knuckle open. The MTH couplers come in 2 length long and short. I check my engines around my 72" dia curve and use a short coupler when possible to pull the engines/ engine car together. I checked and I only have 1 long Proto 1 coupler. I measured the length from end to end. Long 2" - identical to Lionel, Atlas, K line etc, short 1 3/4" long. I found some proto 2 couplers 2.3 ohms - 2 long and 6 short. My email is my profile if interested.
