John as usual Jerry nailed. I did see a youtube video where instead of the pin removal tool a pair of needle nose pliers was used to wiggle the pin out. I looked but could not find that video again. Beyond my search abilities. If I find it, I'll post. But at midnight my windows 7 laptop turns into a pumpkin so not sure when.
It maybe worth a try if you replace with a knuckle coupler for a transition car which I have done.
Also the general public agreed with you about the link coupler since Gilbert replaced them. The only reason I have heard as an advantage is they allow closer coupling. Now I'm rambling.
