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. Our 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.

Removing Old Couplers
First, let's start off with a "before" shot.


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 to the left, 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 screw that is 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.