Changing couplers to newer style

[ajaxusa]

Hello all,

So here is my question: (note im new, so I am NOT up on all the lingo yet)

I decided to upgrade my couplers to the newer style that come on all ATLAS locos and carrages/cars. So, I went looking for the upgrades and found that I had to buy the entire truck...ok fine, BUT the problem is that on the ATLAS cars, the trucks seem to be on permanently. Looks like a plastic plug is inserted and glued into position. I tried removing one and in the proccess, ruined the plug!!! How do I fix that?!

THe older Bachmann cars have screws, so that is a no brainer, but Atlas has these plugs...I dont understand how Atlas can sell the upgrade and make it so difficult to swap out. Even NEW cars seem to have these permanent plugs.

Anyone?

Thank you
Bill

 

[jdetray]

Hi Bill -

Atlas calls those little plugs "king pins" and they are not glued in. At least they are not glued in on any of the Atlas N-scale cars I own.

The pins are a friction fit, and it should be possible to remove them without breaking them. Atlas sells the king pins separately if you ever need any.

- Jeff

 

[ajaxusa]

ahhhhh...i guess the needle nose pliers i used where NOT a good idea. thx Jeff

 

[jdetray]

Maybe a pair of tweezers, Bill. Or very carefully and gently pry the pin out with an Xacto knife.

- Jeff