G Scale Knuckle Couplers

[Randy K]

I have several Big Hauler passenger cars from the mid-1990's which have not been used for many years.  I set up some track Saturday and found the knuckle couplers are releasing without any apparent reason.   The track is smooth and level.  Does anyone have any suggestions for tuning up these couplers?

Thank you

Randy K   

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Hi Randy,

My favorite fix is to spray paint my Bachmann Couplers with either Rustoleum Primer or Krylon Primer.  Seems to give enough tooth to keep them from separating under load.  It also gives the couplers that nice rusty look.   

Loco Bill

[Hunt]

Click Here for replacement couplers

[armorsmith]

Randy,

I am a user of Bachman Big Hauler couplers as well. My solution is a bit more complicated but it has proven successful.

First, disassemble the coupler by driving the pin the coupler jaw pivots on out to allow the jaw, drop pin and spring to separate. Pay close attention to how this comes apart, reassemly depends on it.

Next, (I use the back edge of an Xacto #11blade) scrape the flash from the drop pin and jaw. Smoothing these surfaces allows the drop pin to completely engage, keeping the coupler locked.

An assembly caveats, make certain the spring is seated properly or you could damage the spring when reinserting the pivot pin.