minitrix coach couplings

[mojo]

Could anyone advise how to remove and replace a Rapido type coupling on the Minitrix coach please?
The one in question is an LNER teak but I assume other types are similarly fitted with Rapidos.
Maurice C.

[ntpntpntp]

The coach will have a pocket to take the traditional "T shank and spring" coupling.

The bogie is retained by a screw so undo that and remove the bogie. 

The coupling pocket has a metal cover plate underneath, secured by two small tabs on the top side. Bend those up and straight and you can remove the cover to gain access to the pocket.    Be careful of the spring pinging away!





Fit new spring and coupling, and replace the cover plate bending the tabs back over.   Re-fit the bogie.

[martyn]

If you need to remove the bogie from a Gresley, it is fixed differently to the one shown by ntpntpntp.

It is held on by a C-clip which is internal and only accessible by removing the roof. Removing the roof can be quite difficult, though it is only held by four small clips.

If you can do the repair without removing the bogie on a Gresley coach, I'd advise doing it in situ. The actual fitting of the coupler is the same as that shown.

Martyn

[mojo]

Thanks for the help and info guys.
This one has a stud - no screw- but I have managed to move the bogie 90 degrees without difficulty and can see the housing easily so will follow the instructions.
Many thanks,
Maurice C.

[martyn]

Hi @mojo ;


the stud is at the other end of the C-clip I mentioned, but if, as you say you can do the repair without removal, I'd recommend leaving the bogie in situ.

Best of luck.

martyn

[mojo]

Hi Martyn,
Just in case I need to remove the roof, could you advise the location of the 4 clips please?
Maurice

[martyn]

@mojo ;

Maurice, it's a bit more complicated than I remembered......




The arrows on the underside of the roof show the roof clips. This needs easing off, usually finger nails between the roof and side.

Once the roof is off, the body is retained by another set of four clips each side which then need easing off. I use a small screwdriver to spring them back clear. The position is just visible as a black dot on the coach side in the photo, they are more or less the same positions relatively as the roof clips.

Once the body is off, the C-clips are exposed to remove the bogie.

HTH

Martyn

[mojo]

Thanks Martyn,
Hope I do not need to remove the roof, it looks fraught to damage and broken parts!
Maurice

[GAD]

With all sprung couplings I superglue the spring to either the back of the pocket or to the coupler itself. That way the spring doesn't fly off next time!