Repairing Guides

how to repair lionel couplers

by Dr. Chandler Douglas PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The hardest part is compressing the replacement spring and keeping it on the rivet while you stick the knuckle into the coupler body and push the rivet through the knuckle. Work with the coupler upside down and wedge something between the armature and the coupler so the locking pin stays out of the way.

Full Answer

How do you use a knuckle coupler?

As you slip the knuckle into place, the cam will push the spring back into the cavity. Once the hole in the knuckle lines up, continue to push the rivet through the knuckle, and through the bottom half of the coupler. Is the knuckle you're working with made of metal or plastic?

How do you put a spring on a coupler?

Hold the coupler upside down. I put the rivet in part way and place the spring over it. Then I hold the knuckle in place against the rivet, with the spring in the proper position.

What does the armature of a coupler do?

Moonman, the armature of a coupler is the part that gets attracted by the uncoupling magnet and releases the knuckle. The pin in the end of the armature is what keeps the knuckle closed.

Why is the tie wrap tied around the shank of coupler?

The tie wrap is tied around the shank of the coupler to keep the armature from pulling/drooping down, causing unwanted uncoupling. The coupler will remain closed, but obviously will not be able to be opened either with the uncoupling track or by hand unless the tie wrap is removed.

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How do you replace a knuckle coupler?

0:578:01How To Replace The Couplers On Your Ho Scale Trains. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere are two screws one right here and right here that are holding on a piece of plastic that goesMoreThere are two screws one right here and right here that are holding on a piece of plastic that goes underneath the coupler to hold it in place all we have to do to access the couplers just unscrew.

How do you couple a Lionel train car?

1:252:41Lionel - Setting Up Your Train - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo join cars open one of the couplers by pressing down on the tab on the underside of the couplerMoreTo join cars open one of the couplers by pressing down on the tab on the underside of the coupler push the two cars together the knuckle will close and lock.

How do I fix my Lionel track?

0:224:53How to fix Lionel Fastrack connection issues - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the easy with the easiest way to fix that is actually what Lionel recommends you do is for you toMoreSo the easy with the easiest way to fix that is actually what Lionel recommends you do is for you to bend the track pin. Like such towards the other one. So that way when they connect.

How do you put a Lionel train track together?

3:3210:11Setting Up Your Lionel Train Set - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr about 40 inches from edge to edge. You also get four ten inch long straight sections okay toMoreOr about 40 inches from edge to edge. You also get four ten inch long straight sections okay to assemble the track. All you need to do is line up the pins. And just simply push the track together

How much are old Lionel trains worth?

Lionel trains can be worth anywhere from $20 to a few thousand dollars. It depends on how many models were made and the train set's condition. Lionel trains are typically worth about a few hundred dollars on average. The Lionel standard gauge is considered the most valuable Lionel train set ever made.

Can you run two Lionel engines together?

Motors need to be matched to run together, Dual motor engines are wire together and always run together. Maintenance is always done to the pair to keep them consistent.

Why does Lionel train slow down?

If your train slows down or stops only in certain spots, the problem is probably voltage drop. Distance and the joints between track sections weaken the flow of power. Tighten any loose joiners and, if necessary, run a second set of wires from the power supply to the track in the troubled area.

How do you fix model train tracks?

1:193:33How To Fix Track Onto Your Model Railway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCouldn't be much simpler you find the hole in your track sleeper. And you screw it. In. There we goMoreCouldn't be much simpler you find the hole in your track sleeper. And you screw it. In. There we go done. Simple as that you're working on points which can be quite fiddly. Again.

How do you get rust off old Lionel train tracks?

Vinegar. One of the most popular substances used on train tracks for decades, white vinegar is versatile, safe, and can remove any harmful chemicals found on your tracks. Apply vinegar to a cloth and wipe down until the rust or grime has gone.

How do you keep toy train tracks together?

Snug Trac is the best way to keep your wooden toy train track together. Where you use to have to use glue or nails to keep your track together, you can now simply pull Snug Trac over the track connector part and your track will not fall apart.

How do you wire a Lionel 027 track?

3:129:39WIRING A TRAIN LAYOUT - LIONEL TRAINS VIDEO - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne end of a wire to the middle rail of the track in the other end of the dedicated track wire. ThenMoreOne end of a wire to the middle rail of the track in the other end of the dedicated track wire. Then side of the ground wire to one of the outside rails and the other end of the common ground wire.

How do you hook up an old train set?

1:323:03How to hook up wire the old timey 3 rail toy trains - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut if you're just playing around you just connect it to the middle rail. And one of the outsideMoreBut if you're just playing around you just connect it to the middle rail. And one of the outside rails. And then get the train here put it on.

Why does my Lionel train only go backwards?

It's just possible that your tracks are pretty dirty and reversing drives the electrical conducting wheels down into the track, while forward lifts them slightly---dirty wheels or track might be just enough to make a difference. Check back after that and see if the real experts have additional suggestions.

How do you clean a Lionel tubular track?

Start the cleaning process by getting an old toothbrush to clean the loose soil off. Then, scrub the insides of the rails, making sure to not neglect cleaning the ties and underside of the track. This part of the process will help remove some of the rust (if there is any). Next, get a scrubbing pad.

Why is my model train not moving?

Check All Electrical Connections Make sure nothing is loose, and the wires don't touch. Make sure the wires are connected to the terminals for the track and not accessories. Inspect the wires themselves to make sure they are not frayed or split. Check the electrical plug and socket, too.

How does Lionel fast track work?

0:233:57Layout Building Tips & Tricks: Wiring FasTrack - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd these allow you to make card connections underneath the layout either to from track to track orMoreAnd these allow you to make card connections underneath the layout either to from track to track or from track to a bus wire to connect your transformer to different spots around the platform.

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