I have finally found a pair of D&H Sharks and would like to change couplers. I will replace the rear Rapidos with Unimates since the locos will spend most of their running time lashed together. In my travels around the various forums, I remember reading a thread about how someone had installed MT couplers to the front of these locos. Can anyone point me in the right direction here? I've tried the various search engines with no success. Thanks in advance for any help.
You use 1134s. It is difficult, sometimes, to get the coupler box that comes with the 1133/1134 kits to fit into the slots that are on the tongues of the trucks. As you are no doubt aware, 1133 used to be the almost universal Bachmann conversion. 1134 is simply a longer shank 1133. I did manage to get one 1134 box onto the front truck. On the others, I retained the stock coupler box and used the long shank knuckle coupler that came on the first run C-C Budd corrugated passenger cars. While those couplers will not stay coupled to each other, they will stay coupled to MTs.
I put a 1016 on the front of the A-Unit. I forgot the details and don't have pictures, but I vaguely remember that I drilled and tapped a hole in that plastic blob at the front of the frame and could mount the coupler there. All other coupler are 1131 according to my list, don't remember the details.
I have mine apart right now. I'm installing TCS M1 decoders in them. I have an ABBA set in demo paint. I have short Unimates in the middle of the set, and Z scale couplers on the ends. To install the Z couplers, follow the instructions in the earlier link, but add a second strip of .020" styrene strip to shim and reinforce the coupler. Secure the strip and the coupler with 00-90 screws. Use a small file to help round off the top of the shims to clear the opening in the shell. ETA: Sorry for the lousy iPotato pics.
