Using Micro Trains Z Scale #905 Coupler In N Scale

             

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.

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.

Photo # 2  View Of Underside Of Tender Frame Showing MT Z Scale #905 Coupler

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.

Photo  # 3  Comparison Of  MT N Scale And MT Z Scale #905 Couplers On Atlas Two Truck Shay 

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.

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.

Photo  # 5  Comparison Of  MT N Scale And MT Z Scale #905 Couplers On A Walthers 0-8-0 

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.....