Coupler conversion

[UMEE65]

I'm getting back into the hobby after a long absence and have dragged out all my Bachmann rolling stock from the 80's.  I have a 4-4-0 American, a 2-8-2 Prairie, a minitrix 0-6-0, an Atlas 4-6-2 and a new Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0; a collection of 1860's cars, a consist of 65' passenger cars, and a few assorted freight cars.  I'd like to convert them all from Rapido to magnetic knuckle couplers so as to make switching operations possible.  Can anyone give me the benefit of his experience here?

[Franz T]

I converted all my crapidos to MicroTrains about 12 years ago and I am very glad I did. there is no comparison, both in  reliability and appearance, not to mention operation. One thing though: You would be amazed at the difference between locos from the 80's and the ones from today. I have 3 of the Atlas/Rivarossi Pacifics and even though they are an easy conversion (MT sells a conversion kit containing a new pilot with coupler and a replacement tender truck with coupler) at around $15.00 for the kit it is not a cheap conversion. The Atlas 4-6-2 are not very detailed nor are the motors particularly durable. In other words. I would not do that again. Look at the Model Power Pacifics, a much better loco and cheaper to convert. In your position, the only loco I would convert would be the Spectrum Consolidation (it takes an MT 2004 IIRC). The new Bachmann 4-4-0 is lightyears ahead of the one from the 80's and comes with a compatible dummy coupler (it may even come with the new knuckle coupler by now). The rolling stock would be worth converting though. for the 1860's cars, MicroTrains sells Archbar trucks with couplers attached, ditto for the passenger cars. The freight cars I would recommend cutting the coupler pockets off the trucks and installing body mount MT 1015's...