Model Forum / General / Railroads / July 2004

What a terrible job! Just finished my first conversion -- a ConCor
extended vision caboose. Took me nearly two hours for one car. This uses
a #1111 coupler, installing a mini-pocket inside the ConCor pocket. It
was a tight fit, so I had to file some off the MTL pocket. That was like
filing a small sweet pea. How do you hold it? Then hold the pocket part
way in while you insert the spring and two-piece coupler, then keep them
in place while you press fit the whole assembly into the ConCor pocket.
I don't remember how many times it came apart on me and I had to start
over. I was soaked with sweat and tears by the time I finished. But the
good news is it fit perfectly, and the couplers checked out just right.
I don't have the MTL assembly kit. Is there anything in it that would
make this job easier? A lot easier?