Coupler shank length question

[jmchevy]

Im preparing to switch my Atlas freight cars from Rapido to knuckle couplers, and I see that the knuckle type come in short, medium, and long length shanks. Which would be best for Atlas cars? Is it just a personal preference? Thanks

 

[Backlash]

I've just finished converting all of my older Rapido equipped cars over to Micro Trains trucks & couplers, and I used the Short couplers and had no issues..

These were mostly Bachmann freight wagons/cars, with a few Atlas and Roundhouse cars thrown in..

I did not convert any passanger cars, so I cant help you there..

If your not sure, buy one pair of each, and try them on your various pieces of rolling stock before committing to buying large lots of one length coupler..

 

[Rico]

You may find this helpful: http://www.micro-trains.com/ConversionsN.php
(the excel version works best)

 

[MRLdave]

Are you using MT couplers/trucks or are you using Unimates? As a rule, medium will be safe for virtually all situations. Short will look better, but with certain cars and tight radius curves, you can run in to problems with the cars hitting each other in curves and derailing. You would normally only use long if there is a lot of distance between the end of the car and the location of the bolster pin. In other words there isn't an easy answer......it varies from car to car, not neccessarily from brand to brand. Your best bet is compare the cars you are converting......if they all look the same, then one size should fit all.......if they seem to vary a little, you may have to buy some of each size.

 

[jmchevy]

Thank you all for the info...Im going to use unimates for right now