These are the topics covered in this article:

    A. Converting to Micro-Trains N-scale couplers

    B. Converting to Micro-Trains Z-scale couplers

    C. Adding decals




A. Converting to Micro-Trains N-scale Couplers
I decided to convert my GP7's from the standard Rapido couplers to the Micro-Trains couplers. The first challenge was to determine which couplers to use. Needless to say, I had bought both the right ones and the wrong ones. My models are the Atlas Phase 2 made in China in 1995. These come equipped with body mounted Rapido couplers. The older ones (Phase 1) were made in Japan, and they have truck mounted couplers. For the Phase 1 (Japan) you need to use Micro-Trains' conversion kit # 1155. For the Phase 2 (China) models you need to use MT 1015-1 RDA (basically pre-built 1015 couplers). For tools I used a pair of tweezers, some small jeweler screwdrivers, a drill bit, and tap. This conversion is actually very easy once you have done one. First, you'll notice a metal strip that is wedged in between the coupler retaining part. Using a small screwdriver you can bend it out and make it pop out. Using a small screwdriver, press in each side of this coupler retaining clip through the top rung of the side stairs of the model. Once that clip is out, the coupler practically falls out.

As you can see in the photograph on the right, the cavity left by removing the old coupler is a perfect fit for the new MT 1015 coupler. Notice that just behind this opening is a small hole. On this locomotive the hole in the front of the locomotive needed to be drilled out and tapped. The rear coupler hole needed no prep work. The screws that are supplied with the MT 1015 kit fit perfectly. It was a bit of a challenge to align the coupler hole with the body work hole.

Here is the finished product. The coupler height matched the Micro-Trains jig that checks coupler height.

B. Converting to Micro-Trains Z-scale Couplers

As you saw above, my three GP7s have already been converted from Rapido couplers to N-scale Micro-Trains couplers. However, from now on I've decided that the fleet's standard will be Micro-Trains Z-scale couplers. Converting from the N-scale to the Z-scale couplers was very easy. The photo on the right shows the N-scale coupler installed. It is a simple matter of removing the screw and pulling out the coupler. The photo below shows the hole that was there from the factory (see white line). The screw that comes with the MT Z-scale coupler fits perfectly. On the right you can see the Z-scale coupler installed. It makes for very close coupling in N-scale, but that is what I like. Tip: I found it easiest to place the screw into position in the coupler before placing the coupler in the locomotive's pocket. The photo below shows the final product.

C. Adding Decals

The three GP7s I bought do not have a road number on them. This page shows my first attempt at numbering a locomotive. I decided to use the dry transfer decals I had bought from Clover House a while back (seen on the right). It has been over 20 years since I last used dry transfer decals (I used to build model airplane kits). The photo below shows the numbers being rubbed on to the locomotive.

Here's the new number. There are several problems with this. First the font is not correct. The gold lettering, however, is accurate and very nice. The second problem is the pen rubbing marks are clearly visible, especially in photographs. We will try wet-transfer decals (e.g. Microscale set 60-677). They allow finer control over the position of the numbers, and hopefully they won't have the side effects of rub marks.