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Traditional couplers for fixed pilot MTH Engine

TS 49th StateOGR Forum Member

Where can I find traditional couplers to mount on a MTH scale wheel fixed pilot engine (F-7 "A" Unit from MTH set 20-20391-2) that is going to be used on a traditional 3-rail layout with minimum 54" curves?  I changed the wheels from scale to hi-rail; however, scale couplers are not working well with the passenger and freight cars which have traditional couplers.  Is there any solution other than a "transition car" with a scale coupler to mate with the locomotive and a traditional coupler to mate with the cars? Thanks. 

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FM Former Member
You can get the Kadee 805 to couple up to the standard 3R couplers. I do it all the time without using a transition car. The Kadee 740 is a little more stubborn, but can be made to work.

The fixed pilot models are not designed for 3R traditional couplers. You would have to enlarge the hole in the pilot and find a way to mount it. There's nothing wrong with using a transition car, I have 1 of those too if I HAVE TO use it.

054 curves are kinda small for fixed pilot models anyway. You may need to modify the draft gear box as I demonstrate in my Kadee video series Part 3.
Last edited by Former Member
TS 49th StateOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Laidoffsick: Thanks so much. I would encourage MTH to clearly inform the buyer (on the box) that this engine does not have couplers included and will not allow remote uncoupling using DCS in any event. MTH advertises this as a engine for two or three rail use ("Proto-Scale 3-2 3-Rail/2-Rail Conversion Capable")
  The design of the truck that allows the wheel conversion is great, however this coupler problem needs some attention. I would also suggest MTH engineer a specific solution and include hi-rail couplers with the wheel conversion set. 
You can get the Kadee 805 to couple up to the standard 3R couplers. I do it all the time without using a transition car. The Kadee 740 is a little more stubborn, but can be made to work.

The fixed pilot models are not designed for 3R traditional couplers. You would have to enlarge the hole in the pilot and find a way to mount it. There's nothing wrong with using a transition car, I have 1 of those too if I HAVE TO use it.

054 curves are kinda small for fixed pilot models anyway. You may need to modify the draft gear box as I demonstrate in my Kadee video series Part 3.

 

HW Hot WaterOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Originally Posted by 49th State:
Originally Posted by Laidoffsick: Thanks so much. I would encourage MTH to clearly inform the buyer (on the box) that this engine does not have couplers included and will not allow remote uncoupling using DCS in any event. MTH advertises this as a engine for two or three rail use ("Proto-Scale 3-2 3-Rail/2-Rail Conversion Capable")
  The design of the truck that allows the wheel conversion is great, however this coupler problem needs some attention. I would also suggest MTH engineer a specific solution and include hi-rail couplers with the wheel conversion set. 

 

I must assume that you are new to this "3-Rail SCALE" or "2-Rail SCALE" type of MTH model. The "scale wheel" version is generally for operation on 2-Rail SCALE track systems, i.e. there are no center-rail pickup roller installed (although they are included in the box for those of us that desire to operate 2-Rail SCALE models on our T-section rail profile 3-Rail track).

 

You probably should have purchased a "normal" 3-Rail "Hi-Rail wheel" equipped model.

FM Former Member

Well MTH already has the swinging pilot hi rail version with traditional couplers. The -2 scale wheeled version is for 2Railers, and 3RS guys with big curves. Scale couplers and fixed pilots require bigger curves. I don't see MTH re-engineering the models to fixed pilots with traditional couplers.... the 2 just don't go together. It's back to toy trains vs. model railroading  

TS 49th StateOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Hot Water:  You are correct regarding my purchase choice. "Caveat Emptor"might not be the best business philosophy to create customer loyalty; however, now I certainly know the difference between a MTH part number ending in "-1" and "-2" despite what the MTH web site claims under "product features" or state in their product literature. Like you say, they include the 3-rail rollers and sell a wheel conversion kit - they might want to take that final step to meet their claim that this engine set is indeed ""Proto-Scale 3-2 3-Rail/2-Rail Conversion Capable".
Originally Posted by 49th State:
Originally Posted by Laidoffsick: Thanks so much. I would encourage MTH to clearly inform the buyer (on the box) that this engine does not have couplers included and will not allow remote uncoupling using DCS in any event. MTH advertises this as a engine for two or three rail use ("Proto-Scale 3-2 3-Rail/2-Rail Conversion Capable")
  The design of the truck that allows the wheel conversion is great, however this coupler problem needs some attention. I would also suggest MTH engineer a specific solution and include hi-rail couplers with the wheel conversion set. 

 

I must assume that you are new to this "3-Rail SCALE" or "2-Rail SCALE" type of MTH model. The "scale wheel" version is generally for operation on 2-Rail SCALE track systems, i.e. there are no center-rail pickup roller installed (although they are included in the box for those of us that desire to operate 2-Rail SCALE models on our T-section rail profile 3-Rail track).

 

You probably should have purchased a "normal" 3-Rail "Hi-Rail wheel" equipped model.

 

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