Advice sought...Atlas passenger couplers...ughhh

IF I recall the atlas coupler correctly:

Same as any other weak coupler, small black rubber band around the shank holding the pin in better.

Also you can try disassembling the coupler, and bending the spring for more tension.

Thanks, Russell...Tom

Check this out:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...ent/2415514336965349

Pete

A small bit of oil on the pin that keeps the coupler closed also works.

I know it sounds......  backwards...   But here is why it works.

Vibrations from the moving train, especially under load (affecting cars nearer the front of the train) the pin gradually vibrates itself out of the hole.   If there is no lube and the coupler is under load it won't slip back in but instead will continue to wiggle it's way out.   A touch of oil will allow it to vibrate a little in the hole and not wiggle out but instead stay in and thus hold the coupler shut.   Much better then glue or rubber bands!

You may want to remove the trucks and make sure that the coupler bar is securely screwed to the truck itself. The articulation joint on the truck sometimes vibrates loose and the coupler droops (and eventually falls off causing the screw to become a permanent part of your layout.) Also check to make sure the armature spring is securely connected to the coupler bar. I also like to put a drop of oil into the hole in the coupler jaw where the pin goes to make sure that when the coupler is closed the pin goes all the way in.