Couplers spontaneously open :( | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum

Terry DanksOGR Forum Member

I was checking out my second hand 2-10-4 Selkirk which arrived just today. Had it pulling six GGD Heavyweight cars. This is only the second day I've actually run anything. I had the new loco up to speed and . . . OMG! I had not noticed that several cars had dropped off as one coupler opened.

I hit the stop and the loco just barely made contact. These toys are far too expensive to smash together the way I deliberately did on accasion as a kid!

Two days, and it's happened twice already!

What's the preferred method of dealing with this problem? Miniature cable ties painted black? Do Kadees do this too? These are the stock knuckles that came on the GGD cars.

3/13/152:20 PM

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SJCOGR Forum Member

Glue 'em shut.

PopiOGR Forum Member

that's what I use, mini black cable ties.

you don't have to paint them. I buy them that way.

since radio shack is going out of business, try walmart,

any of the dollar stores, dollar tree, dollar general, family dollar.

and/or try an electrical supply house. maybe even

home depot or lowes or HEY A FORUM SPONSER

MENARDS!!!!!

Gilly@N&WOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Originally Posted by Terry Danks:

....GGD Heavyweight cars.

Yeah, that happens. I use black rubber bands from the A.C. Moore craft store to hold them shut.

Gilly

PSAP2010OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I think Harbor Freight carries a variety of the cable ties.

Larry

Hot WaterOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Welcome to the world of 3-Rail "lobster claw" couplers. When you up-grade to Kadee O Scale couplers, that will no longer happen.

L.I.TRAINOGR Forum Member

Cable ties are a bit over kill, Go the rubber band route.

BLTOGR Forum Member

This is what I use 1/4" Black Rubber bands

Works great and you don't see them.

choochoopaulOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Black cable ties, and leave the tag end long, heat and bend to look like the air hose.

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