N Life Like Rapido-microtrains coupler Newbie Question (in UK)

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micgent - 26 Oct 2004 22:33 GMT

From my previous post re smooth running loco.

My research leads me to conclude that i can get well detailed smoth running
diesels made by Life-Like that are readily available from either Ebay USA or
USA store. At reasonable prices.

I found SW9 for around $25 and GP7 $20 plus postage $5-10.

I have read the Tutorial "Evolution of a N Gauge - 3' x 5' Layout for the
absolute beginner" which has given me great enthusiasm. I plan to start my
layout with a Switcher and a General Purpose loco, I then need to purchase
rolling stock.
Here comes the Coupler question. Ive done some research and its a mine-field

Do I stick with the supplied Rapido type if so whats the availability like
on the matching rolling stock?
How much would it cost to convert to microtrains and is it still preferable
to fit the complete bogie and coupler?
Im sure theres pros and cons to both systems I do like the idea of knuckle
type that looks realistic and can be magnetically operated i would sway that
direction if it wasnt for the fact that I believe once moded which may need
filing / drilling the operation cant be undone. If i wanted to sell the
model.
Is there a prefered way?

--
Forever indebted to the power and knowledge of newsgroups

micgent

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RAILDATA - 26 Oct 2004 23:19 GMT

Other than having to go through the truoble of installing "Magnetic Scale"
couplers, what possible "Pro" could there be for Rapido couplers??

Here in the US only the few that don't know any better use Rapidos. I think in
just a short time all US prototype N models will come with magnetics.

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harrym - 28 Oct 2004 04:35 GMT

I keep reading that most N scale models come with MTL couplers, but I
have never seen one in my LHS. Everything has Rapido couplers. He
doesn't stock MTL conversions, either. I am in the process of
converting, but I am really having trouble finding them. Online dealers
will have some of the ones I need, but not all of them. Minimum
shipping charges really boost the cost if I can only get one or two from
a dealer. And none of the shops I have visited within 250 miles carry a
full range, either. I'm getting there, but slowly.

As for comparison with Rapido couplers, aside from appearance, I find
the MTL couplers are much more reliable on grade changes. Rapidos
sometimes uncouple if the change in elevation is not perfect. And of
course, the uncoupling feature is great if you do much of it. Wish I
could find uncoupling magnets that would work on curved sidings though.

> Other than having to go through the truoble of installing "Magnetic Scale"
> couplers, what possible "Pro" could there be for Rapido couplers??
>
> Here in the US only the few that don't know any better use Rapidos. I think in
> just a short time all US prototype N models will come with magnetics.

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Peter W. - 27 Oct 2004 07:11 GMT

> From my previous post re smooth running loco.
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> model.
> Is there a prefered way?

Rapidos were the first standardised N scale coupler. It was widely in use as
it is reliable and simple. In the 1970s Kadee (in US) developed a small version
of their H0 magnetic knuckle coupler and they started using it in their N
scale cars. Over time, this coupler revolutionized N scale and currently
many N scale manufacturers use that type of coupler in their ready-to-run
products. Some low-end manufacturers still use Rapidos, but I think they will
slowly be fading away.

Rapido is still somewhat popular in Europe, but even they have a Profi coupler
which is much smaller and better looking than Rapido. And since the real
European trains do not use knuckle couplers, the US knuckle coupler never
got popular there. So, the majority of European N scale models are still
made with Rapidos.

If you are planning on modelling a US prototype, I would recommend that you
go for the Micro-Trains type of coupler. As I said, more and more of items
already come with that coupler installed, and conversions are not too
difficult for most part. Micro-Trains website has an extensive collection
of conversion instructions.

You are correct - on certain items convertiong them back to Rapidos would
be difficult (but why would you want to do that anyway)?

In defense of Rapido: It is a good coupler. It has worked for us for many
years. Some of my fellow N-Trakkers still operate 100 unit coal trains which use
Rapido couplers.

Main downfalls of Rapido is its apperance and mechanical-only uncoupling.

Peteski

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Tom Royer - 27 Oct 2004 13:24 GMT

> > From my previous post re smooth running loco.
> >
[quoted text clipped - 51 lines]
>
> Peteski

Also, you don't have to convert all your rolling stock at
one time. Just create a "hermaphrodite" car which as a
Rapido coupler at one end and a Micro-Trains at the
other. This can then be used as the transition between
the Rapido rolling stock and the stock that's been
converted. Works pretty good.

Tom

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RonMcF - 30 Oct 2004 16:25 GMT

> From my previous post re smooth running loco.
>
> My research leads me to conclude that i can get well detailed smoth running
> diesels made by Life-Like that are readily available from either Ebay USA or
> USA store. At reasonable prices.

I've imported a swag of stuff (to Australia) from Texnrails this year,
without a hitch so far. I suggest that you look for stores with secure
on-line trading, that will ship to the UK. I pay with Visa.

> Do I stick with the supplied Rapido type if so whats the availability like
> on the matching rolling stock?

Go for Microtrains and MT compatible couplers. Lifelike's latest N scale
loco (GP18) appears to come with a Microtrains compatible couple (check it
at
http://www.lifelikeproducts.com/proto/nlocoarchive/description/ngp18locodescintro.htm).
Atlas is also ditching (has already ditched?) the Rapido coupler. If I were
you, I wouldn't bother buying anything with Rapido if you can await the next
release. However, with limited runs, that is sometimes hard to do.

> How much would it cost to convert to microtrains and is it still preferable
> to fit the complete bogie and coupler?

The conversion kits are relatively expensive, but you can buy bulk
kits/packages. For most N scale locos they are a standard fit that slots
right in, after you assemble them. However, it does take a bit practice.

> Im sure theres pros and cons to both systems I do like the idea of knuckle
> type that looks realistic and can be magnetically operated i would sway that
> direction if it wasnt for the fact that I believe once moded which may need
> filing / drilling the operation cant be undone. If i wanted to sell the
> model.

In most cases you can undo the work later on with little to show, but I'm
buggered if I can see why you would want to.

I also suggest that you DON'T leap into using the track mounted uncoupling
magnets until after you've tried an uncoupling tool. The magnets can cause
a lot of problems if incorrectly or unwisely installed.

Also, be careful with Lifelike locos - some of their earlier locos are not
real flash. Their recent units though are brilliant (IMHO). You might also
check out the Atlas offerings (http://www.atlasrr.com/) - love those
SD24s.....

Regards,
Ron

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Model Forum / General / Railroads / October 2004

N Life Like Rapido-microtrains coupler Newbie Question (in UK)