The MT Z scale # 905 is now an integral part of N scale railroading.
This small Z scale coupler is more prototypically correct than the true N
scale MT coupler.
First of all, The MT Z scale coupler can be very easily body mounted on
all N scale rolling stock. I started to use the MT Z scale # 905
coupler several years ago on the front pilots of all the steam
locomotives on the "Original" JJJ&E wherever possible and on the frames of all
tenders, some diesels, and selective rolling stock. As time progressed, I
found myself using The MT Z scale #905 coupler in more applications.
The # 905 coupler isn't going to replace the traditional MT N scale
coupler, but the Z scale #905 coupler has its place in N scale
railroading in many situations. I continue to use the the MT Z Scale # 905 coupler on the "New" JJJ&E as well.
The MT Z scale #905 coupler works very well on most diesels. In most
cases the #905 coupler requires shimming to mate well with N scale
coupler. To get the most accurate height for a Z scale coupler, the
knuckle of the Z scale # 905 coupler must be centered in the middle of
the knuckle of any N scale coupler. When proper centering of the Z scale
coupler is accomplished, the # 905 coupler mates very well with
traditional N scale knuckle couplers. The MT Z scale coupler holds up
extremely well when coupled in a long string of cars. Despite its small
size the MT Z scale coupler is a "workhorse" in the coupler world.
I'll show you several examples of the MT Z scale coupler in the photo's below.
I use the #905 Z scale coupler exclusively on tenders. The #905 body mounts easily on tender frames and looks very prototypical.
On a Kato Mikado tender (See Photo # 1 ) I cut off the truck mounted Rapido
coupler and replaced it with a MT Z scale #905 coupler, body mounting
the coupler to the tender frame. I place a very tiny amount of CA cement
on the tender frame and then center the coupler in position on the
frame, After the CA cement is set up I tap a small hole in the frame and
screw the coupler in position. The Coupler screws come with the Z scale
coupler.
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Photo # 1 MT Z Scale #905 Coupler On Frame Of Mikado Tender |
In Photo # 2, we have an aerial view of the # 905 coupler mounted on the
Mikado tender frame. This coupler easily replaces the Rapido coupler
found on all Spectrum steam locomotives.
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Photo # 2 View Of Underside Of Tender Frame Showing MT Z Scale #905 Coupler
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When buy MT Z scale # 905 couplers, make sure you buy them completely
assembled. The dissembled version of the # 905 coupler is the # 903
coupler. Trying to assemble the # 903 coupler is an exercise in futility
because of the very small component parts. If you intend to use the Z
scale #905 coupler in many applications, the assembled version is the
way to go.
In Photo 3, we easily see how the Z scale # 905 coupler easily mounts on
an Atlas two truck Shay. Just unscrew the two Accumates on both ends of
the Shay and install The Z scale # 905 coupler in the pocket. In this
case no plastic shims were necessary. What a difference when you compare
the N scale and Z scale couplers on the Atlas Shay side by side.
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Photo # 3 Comparison Of MT N Scale And MT Z Scale #905 Couplers On Atlas Two Truck Shay
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Below is another photo ( See Photo # 4 ) of a MT Z scale # 905 coupler body mounted on the tender of a MP 4-4-0 American.
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Photo # 4 Comparison Of N Scale And MT Z Scale Couplers On A MP 4-4-0 American |
In Photo # 5 we can again compare two Walthers 0-8-0 steam locomotives.
One is equipped with the factory installed N scale coupler. The adjacent
steamer has a MT Z scale #905 coupler installed on the front pilot.
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Photo # 5 Comparison Of MT N Scale And MT Z Scale #905 Couplers On A Walthers 0-8-0
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Photo # 6 MT Z Scale #905 Coupler On Front Pilot Of Walthers 0-8-0 |
In Photo # 6, a MT Z scale # 905 coupler was installed on the front pilot of the Walthers 0-8-0 switcher.
In conclusion, the MT Z scale # 905 coupler is a viable option when
considering coupler choices in all N scale equipment. Not only do you
have a more prototypical look, you also have a coupler that is strong
enough to be included in long consists of cars. I try to use the Micro
Trains Z scale # 905 coupler on all steam locomotive front pilots and
the rear of the tender which is a body mount. I also use the Z scale
#905 coupler body mounted on selected rolling stock.
NOTE: The knuckle of the Z scale #905 coupler must be mounted so that
it couples in the exact center of the N scale coupler. This will provide
optimum coupling. This isn't hard to do when installing the Z scale
coupler on any N scale equipment.
You should give the MT Z scale # 905 coupler a try. It works.....
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