For your workbench.

Uncoupling Tools

The MS magnetic wand lifts the steel locking ball inside a working coupler so the knuckle can open. Its wire tip helps align the heads before coupling. The magnet is selected for this mechanism: an unsuitable magnet may release unreliably or interfere with subsequent locking. These wands use the same materials and methods as the Sergent Engineering tools. See the coupling and uncoupling sequence.

The MWRY wand reaches under passenger-car diaphragms where an overhead approach is difficult. Slide its flat side between the coupler tops and the diaphragms; use the round end to open a knuckle before coupling. It follows a tool developed by longtime Sergent Engineering customer Larry Mowery.

Coupler Height Gauge

The HG87 is a go/no-go height gauge: the knuckle should fit into its groove. Its limits represent a prototype freight coupler centerline of 32.5 to 34.5 inches above the rail. Type F and H interlocking heads need particular care with height and alignment. Keep the UV-resin gauge out of direct UV exposure to help prevent dimensional changes. The tight-fitting guides underneath allow a semi-permanent mounting on a workbench track. For a quick check elsewhere on the layout, offset the gauge slightly so the rails support it outside those guides; this preserves the measuring height and makes it easier to move.

Assembly Fixtures

If you plan to assemble lots of EC87K kits, you'll want an AFC Assembly Fixture. This fixture is used to hold the coupler together as it is assembled. The AFC is also very handy for holding the coupler if it becomes necessary to thin the shank of the coupler for certain installations. Note that this fixture works for EC87, SBEC87, double shelf, and tightlock couplers, but not short/long shank couplers.

A separate fixture is offered for the RC87K Sharon coupler kit. The AFRC fixture fits only the RC87 style coupler.

The AFN fixture is very useful when assembling EN87K kits.

For the Sharon coupler kits, an assembly fixture is not really an option, but a requirement. The RN87K and RNC87K share the same fixture. The RNB87 requires a different fixture because of its shorter shank.

Spare balls and springs are useful to keep at the workbench. We will replace parts lost during assembly at no charge, but a spare pack lets you carry on without waiting for a replacement. Each pack contains 12 balls and 12 springs.

Detail Parts

Couplers that have the cut lever attached on top are referred to as "top operating" Couplers that have the cut lever attached at the bottom are referred to as "bottom operating". The type E coupler modeled by the EC87 was always available as a bottom operating coupler, even though the top operating version seems to have been preferred initially. Prototype Couplers offers items to assist the modeler in adding these special details.

The BCL87 contains 10 etched brass cut lever linkages. These linkages fit into slots on the bottom of the coupler as shown in the picture. These brass etchings fit the E, SBE, and SE style couplers. The cut levers (not included) should be inserted through this linkage in a manner that allows the coupler to swing from side to side.

Type F couplers are almost always bottom operated and the linkage is mostly hidden by the coupler casting. A "J" shaped small diameter wire can be used to simulate the linkage for these couplers. The Prototype Couplers type F coupler head provides a shallow locating hole for this wire.

For those that desire to model top operating type E couplers, Prototype Couplers offers drilled top coupler castings which will accept lift rings. This option should be ordered at the same time coupler kits are ordered. Lift rings should be installed prior to assembly of the couplers since there is a risk that glue used to attach the rings may also make its way to the locking ball inside the coupler. For this reason, the drilled tops are only an option for kits - not assembled couplers.

Holes in top castings are created with a #80 drill. We recommend either bending your own eyebolts from 0.010" wire or using Grandt Line #5085 eyebolts (or #86085 if you would rather have the equivalent in brass) for this application.

Draft Gear Boxes

The DGB160 draft gear box lets modelers use our narrow-shank HO couplers in an N scale application. Developed from an idea by longtime Sergent Engineering customer John Niemeyer, it provides a purpose-made alternative to modifying an existing box. Check the space and mounting height available on your model before installation.