RE: The Athearn 85' Flat

It is missing the metal coupler clip that Athearn uses to attach couplers to their cars. They have actually devised a very cool method of attaching the couplers to those long cars (also on the 86' hycubes) and it works pretty well. Body mounting couplers at 24' radius is likely not to work well.

Have fun

Espee over Donner

Thank you, could you point me

Thank you, could you point me to a picture or diagram that shows what I'm missing?

Look on the Underside

Of any Athearn Blue-box era freight car and you'll see what I mean.

Espee over Donner

Are you talking about these

Are you talking about these infamous guys?

I'm well aware that those are necessary for the couplers to stay in. The trouble is that the plastic tab that's supposed to keep the coupler at the right height has bent downward, allowing the coupler to hit the ground.

Get the A-line bullseye jigs

There are videos of those jigs in use.  They allow you to easily drill and tap the center post of the coupler box, then secure the lid with a 1/8" 2-56 screw.  Also, refer to the Feb 2012 MRH for an article on their use.

Can't recommend them highly enough, turn a tedious job into something that takes less than two minutes a car.

Janet N.

Subscribed

Thanks for posting.  Subscribed to your channel.

Joe