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modifying Aristo Dash 9 for electrocouplers


enginear joe

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I like the ability of the MTH engines to be able to drop cars anywhere on the layout. I think that's what is one of the biggest features in O gauge. When upgrading other brands of engines to run on my layout, I still wanted that ability in any engine I chose to run and in any position in a consist. Adding the MTH couplers to USA trains engines was fairly easy. I believe I just screwed them onto the screw mount stand on those engines, using their spring mechanisms to keep the couplers straight. Mounting them on the Aristo, there is just a bit more to it.

First, the coupler post gets cut flush so that it protrudes about 3cm from the bottom of the frame. I then modified some coupler mounts I had from a MTH car. They get cut in a plus design flush to the hole so they'll sit flat on the Aristo posts with the posts stiffners locking into them. The bottoms of these pieces gets a notch so that they will fit around the rear pilot piece as they're screw mounts won't work. Hopefully the pictures will help clear up the descriptions.

The MTH electro-coupler doesn't get touched this way and their return springs will keep them straight.

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One other thing that needs cutting is the pilot above the coupler so that there's clearance for the taller electro-coupler. After mounting, I used hot melt glue to help reinforce the assembly. Make sure not to bond to the coupler itself.

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This is my first blog, so bare with me.

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Joe,

 

Where is the best place to get MTH couplers for rolling stock? I bought a few used MTH cars and they had other couplers on them.

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I forgot all about this blog until the new forum upgrade mentioned it. Wow, a lot of people have looked at it and it was never finished! Ooops.

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