Coupler Discovery

As I ponder the near-future of the layout, the fact that I'll need to standardize couplers is looming very soon on my to-do list. If it's one thing I've learned from other layouts, it's that your rolling stock must be reliable and bullet-proof to keep trains rolling and interest in the layout piqued.

Minitrains rolling stock comes with European-standard "hook and loop" style couplers. For an American-style layout, Micro Trains 1015 or similar knuckle-style couplers are more appropriate and tend to be a universal fit.

I put my MT coupler gauge on the track to test out how I might go about converting the passenger cars. Imagine my surprise when the "loop" part of the truck's coupler snuggled right over the post of the Micro-Trains trip pin.

Believe it or not, the fit was quite snug and secure.

So, I think that the upshot is, for now, I can keep my passenger consist with their original couplers, and still use them in mixed consists as I upgrade my loco and freight rolling stock.

I had a chance to work a bit on the new tender for #2:

Mounted a drawbar pin in the chassis; the parts are primed and awaiting a coat of black paint. Then I'll go to town with fitting some lead weight to give it some "heft," as well as mount the MT 1015 coupler at the rear.