Fixing Bachmann couplers - recentering by Stephen Podwojski

Bachmann couplers have an inherent problem where the centering plastic shaft will snap off after use - especially if the rolling stock spends a lot of time in the elements.  When his occurs, backing up the train consist through switches or curves becomes an issue.  The coupler will bend at the joint to the left or right as noted in photo number 2. This can cause derailments as witnessed by myself.  This can also be used to fix USA trains couplers.  This tip is specifically if you are using truck mounted couplers

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What you need 1/16" drill bit Drill LGB Coupler springs A sharp knife or hobby blade Phillips head screw driver

Photo 1. Close up a very used Bachmann coupler.  The couplers are heavily spray painted with a rust colored Primer.  This primer makes the couplers more stiff and less susceptible to becoming uncoupled.

Photo 2 Close up a very used Bachmann coupler that has lost it's recentering plastic piece .

The easiest fix is to use the LGB coupler springs [part number 64409].  Generally these are laying around in in excess numbers due to many people using other couplers other than hook and loop.  These plastic "springs" are made of durable plastic and tend to last a long time.  Take a drill bit about 1/16" and carefully drill where the plastic centering rod was on the back of the Bachmann coupler [see Photo #3.  1/16" is a little smaller than the actual tip that will eventually have to fit in the drilled hole.  Take a sharp X-Acto knife or blade and trim down some of the excess plastic.  Unscrew the coupler screw that holds the coupler to the truck.  Place the LGB coupler spring as positioned in Photo 4 and screw the spring and coupler to the truck tang.

Photo # 4

These are the LGB recentering springs that are sold as part Number 64409.  Ask you local LS train enthusiast as he/she may have extra laying around.  .Photo courtesy of LGB.com