Tomix locomotive MT conversions

> main > modeller's corner > couplers > Tomix > locomotives

EF81 Electric Locomotive by Phil Hendry

-    Tomix ref. nr. 2131 (pale red), 2132 (bright red), 2133 (red, 'Hokutosei'), 2134 (green, 'Twilight Express'), 2135 (blue, JR Freight) and 2141 (multi-colour 'Cassiopeia').
-    MT coupler used MT #2001 (medium length, longest in MT #2001 kit) MT #2004 could also fit.
-    Mounting: body
-    Skill level: advanced

Micro Trains 2001/2004 coupler as used on the Tomix locomotive conversion.

This is a conversion that can be done with a bit of more advanced skill, it is certainly not for beginners! Phil Hendry explains how he made it. This conversion also applies to other Tomix electric locos with factory-fitted body mount couplers (Tomix EF63, ED61, ED62 and the articulated EH500). Other Tomix locos need a different conversion, which is still 'in the works'.

Phil screwed the assembled MT #2001 on the snowplough part, which holds the original Tomix coupler assembly. You will need to 'dress' the front skirt (pilot in US terminology) with a small file so that the MT coupler housing protrudes trough the front skirt, just enough to let the coupler swing out. You need to make a spacer that fits on top of the snowplough, size is 2x3x7.5 mm. Use plasticard of suitable thickness ( about 60 thou) to make this spacer. File the spacer so it would fit the snowplough. Drill a hole in the spacer using the largest drill supllied in the MT starter kit. Now tap a thread in the existing snowplough hole, using a pin-vise and the small tap, again supplied in the starter kit. Check clearances, coupler height and coupler operation. You may find out that the screw needs shortening, or it may foul the trackwork, in particular at points and crossings. - Risk of derailment! -.

ED61 and ED62 Electric locomotives by Phil Hendry

-    Tomix ref. 2136 (ED 61, blue), ref. 2138 (ED 61, brown) and ref. 2137 (ED 62, blue)
-    MT coupler used: MT #2004.
-    Mounting: body

This conversion is similar to the conversion for the EF 81, with the same spacer dimensions. Again plasticard (or styrene sheet, as plasticard is a trade name) is the most suitable material for the spacer

According to Phil, both the EF81 and ED62 conversions are reversible, the front skirts need no modification. I am sure you don't want to convert back to Rapido-style couplers when you have once experienced the qualities of the MT-couplers!

ED62, EF81 and EH500 electric locomotives by Clement Poon

Coversion and photos by Clement Poon.

You need:

- Micro-Trains 2001 or 2004 (I use 2001)
- .060" x .188" Strip Styrene from Evergreen Models
- Plastic cutter
- Strong wire cutter
- .08mm Micro Drill (Tamiya makes them if you can't get Micro-Trains)

This MT 2001 and 2004 couplers fit Tomix locos equally well.

1.) Cut a piece just big enough to fit into the plow (not too big, or else the hole you drill will need to be super precise!)

The preparation work (photo: Clement Poon)

2.) Put the piece on the plow, hold it together, and mark the hole location on the bottom with a sharp knife

3.) Drill out the hole with a hand drill.

4.) Use the supplied screw from MT 2001 to secure coupler onto styrene, going past it a little so that it'll be easier to screw onto the plow
5.) Align the protruding screw from the assembly in 4.) to the hole in the plow
6.) Tighten onto plow (the coupler and styrene will move around after it's tightened -- no need to worry)
7.) Cut the end of the protruding screw with the wire cutter. Otherwise, the protrusion will snag on turnouts and crossings.

The assembled coupler / snowplough unit (photo: Clement Poon)

8.) Snap the plow assembly back into place. The cutout on the front will center the coupler!
9.) You're done!

The completed conversion (photo: Clement Poon)

The best part about this process is that it is 100% reversible. No physical mods whatsoever. The coupler fits soooo neatly in the original coupler mount and the cut-out on the front of the train that you start to wonder if Tomix actually designed it this way! Heck, this conversion is even easier than with Kato locos, where filing and modification is necessary! The height is almost perfect too (see pics with MT height gauge).

Clement also did this Tomix EH500 loco.(photo: Clement Poon)

 Clement, many thanks for your article! -editor-

  Back to Tomix MT conversion overview

Modelling Layouts Modeller's Corner Train Simulators Various