I have an MTH Premier PS2 Mikado steam engine and all functions work fine except the proto coupler does not open wide enough to release the cars behind it. What are my options? Thanks for any suggesting you can provide. Dave
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Replace it, they're cheap.
This is a common problem with some couplers especially when your train is lite (only a few cars). I correct the problem by taking a Dremmel with a "fiberglass webbed" grinding disc and grind the inside lobe to a bevel. Be careful not to remove any material from the tip. This modification will release a single car while still preserving its original holding power.
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Interesting mod Dave, I'll have to try it next time I encounter this.
A mod I do to couplers is to pop the rivet and smooth all the interior latching surfaces. While you're in there, you could take a little material off to allow the coupler to open a bit wider. Smoothing the coupler parts allows you to have much smoother coupling and uncoupling, you don't have to bash the cars with the couplers to couple them.
GRJ, what do you do to your coupler to get it to lock shut at a slow speed? One modification I've seen was to add a drop of JB weld to the tongue that is exposed when the coupler is open. Do you know of something better?
A long time ago, Boxcar Bill posted what he did to couplers, and it was a great idea. He pops the rivet and removes the knuckle. Polish all the molding flash off and make the mating surfaces smooth. It's like magic! If you have a problem with the travel, the drop of JB Weld is a good idea, but that hasn't been an issue if I smooth the innards of the couplers.
Thanks for the modification tips. Will give them a try before buying a new one. Dave
