Tomix freight car MT conversions

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-    Tomix catalogue ref. Various, Shiki 1000 is ref. 2773
-    MT coupler used: MT #1129
-    Mounting: bogie
-    Skill level: advanced

Micro Trains # 1129 coupler

These are all very similar, so I will write a single article on all. The model converted is a 'Shiki 1000' 16-wheel well wagon for heavy loads, but this conversion will surely fit all other Tomix bogie freight and even passenger stock.  Thanks to Garth Hamilton and Phil Hendry for the information and experience.

The MT couplers used in this conversion are MT #1129, an universal medium length type.

Phil Hendry and Garth Hamilton both have converted the Shiki 1000, the methods they used are similar but slightly different. I will deal with them separetely.

Shiki 1000 by Phil Hendry

Open coupler pocket, discard rapido and spring, keep retaining clip.  Widen slot in pocket a touch (it doesn't need much).  File 0.005"- 0.010" off top and bottom of metal 'C' (sorry real name escapes me!) part of MT coupler. That is the 'adapter' and file a 'shoulder'on the sides at the 'back' so the C fits into the pocket snugly.
Assemble coupler etc, and fit in pocket.  Replace retaining clip on bottom of pocket (which should fit nicely if you removed enough material from the metal C).  Finished coupler is a touch low (0.015"- 0.020"), but works okay.

Check with MT coupler height gauge and test coupler operation.

Shiki 1000 by Garth Hamilton

Open the coupler pocket, discard rapido coupler and keep retaining clip as per Phil Hendry's conversion.
The adaptor which goes into the pocket has been narrowed a bit and I removed the one side so mine looks like an "L".The open side should be on the top.  The little tongue that come forward out of the pocket was narrowed a pit with a file on each side just enough to fit the slot. I placed the coupler in the pocket then the spring and then holding the spring compressed the adaptor went on top as I released the spring. Result is a coupler not quite as low as Phil's but still a tad lower than the MT coupler on their gauge block.

Again, test fit and check.

Koki 102/103

Tomix container cars (Koki 102/103) ref. 92135
Conversion by Phil Hendry
MT coupler used: MT #1015
TN coupler used: Tomix  0391
Mounting: body
Skill level: Easy

The Micro Trains 1015 coupler used in to convert the container cars.

The Tomix Koki 102/103's come in a set of four. This conversion can also be applied to other Tomix container cars and seems even be applicable to all other Tomix freight cars, except for the 4-wheelers.
Phil Hendry used the Tomix TN couplers as a semi-permanent coupler between the cars within the set, and he fitted the MT's only on the outer ends of the 4-car set. For a 4-car set you need 3  pairs of TN couplers. Fit these following the Tomix instructions, included in the packaging. Then assemble the MT #1015 couplers following the MT instructions, included in the packaging or from the Micro Trains handbook, where there's a larger sheet with the instructions, this is a lot easier to read.
Cut off the coupler pocket from the bogie frame, near the bolster is the best place. Then glue the assembled MT couplers under the bottom of the container car, at the handrail end for a 4-car set. Use 2-component epoxy, a gel-type superglue or a good strong impact adhesive like 'Bostik'. Avoid any glue getting into the coupler housing, this can impair the function of the MT coupler.
Of course, you can mount MT couplers between all cars if you want.

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