coupler on acela express

[cwex]

Just purchased a acela express ho set .every now and then the passenger train car coupler come undone. looks like a poor design?

[Bucksco]

Make sure your track is level - this may help.

[jbrock27]

CW, how does the height of the couplers on the cars compare to each other?

Do the couplers have a metal coil (tiny spring) on the knuckle?

Any elevation to your layout?

[cwex]

Just a plastic rod

[jbrock27]

Just a plastic rod

Those are fraught with issues.  Better to replace them with ones that have the metal coupler spring, which would be EZ Mate Mark IIs or ones made by Kadee.  Before installation, place a teeny tiny drop of CA ("Crazy") Glue GEL on the end of the spring nearest the shank and it will help keep the spring from popping off the knuckle.

And how about the other questions I had?

[Len]

I think the OP is talking about these, that are basically two NEM shanks tied together:



They can be replaced with the 78035 EZ-Mate Mk-II NEM coupler to allow easy uncoupling, and for operation on tighter curves.



The Kadee #18 or #19 NEM couplers should also work.

Len

[cwex]

Thank you!

[jbrock27]

You're welcome!  Any time

Have a Happy New Year!