Wire Couplers for Marx Cabooses

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Hints and Tips
For Marx® Train Operators

Coupler Substitutes
For Marx® Cabooses

Caboose Coupler Substitute

You can add a rear coupler to the Marx 6" caboose frame by making these inexpensive coupler substitutes from brass or steel wire. This is especially useful when converting a caboose to an open platform passenger car or a box-type car using FauxToys wraps and caboose Platform Filler Blocks.

The patterns below show two types, one for frames with a downfolded tab to hold the coupler and one for frames with only a small hole in the frame (intended for riveted couplers).

You can make the couplers using the measurements given below, or download and print a pattern to guide you

Tab-Frame Coupler		Using the Pattern Click on the appropriate Pattern diagram at left. This will bring up a version in a new window. Download the image in the window to your computer, and print it out. Measure the scale bar on the print. If it is not 1-inch, or very close to it, enlarge or reduce the print size until it is. Use the full-size printed template as a guide for bending the wire coupler.

Riveted-Frame Coupler

Hard brass wire (available at hobby shops or hardware stores) is easy to work, but is distractingly bright. It can be blackened with Blacken-It, but will eventually develop bright wear spots. Recommended size for brass wire is 1/32" (.030") to 3/64" (.046")

Steel music wire is available from hardware and hobby shops. It is a gunmetal grey in color (and can be darkened with Blacken-It, and is stronger than brass, but is harder to work. Music wire will notch the blades of wire-cutters. If you have a set of wire cutters that is already notched or ruined, you can use it, or you can cut the wire with a file or use a cutoff disk in a motor tool (always wear eye protection when using cutoff disks). File or grind the sharp end smooth. Recommended size for music wire is 1/32" (.030").

The wire coupler works well with Marx® tab and slot or plastic knuckle couplers. It has not been tested with the slotted fork types. Wire couplers can connect only with original couplers; two wire couplers cannot connect.

Make the coupler from stiff wire. 1/32" or .030" steel music wire is recommended, but brass wire is easier to cut.

Using needlenose pliers, bend the wire to match the pattern. Then bend sharply downward as indicated at 90° or a bit more to form the tab. For the riveted coupler make a slight upward bend about halfway, and bend the ends sharply upward.

You may need to make one or two before you get the hang of it.

Mount the couplers as shown in the photos below. Be sure the coupler swings freely without binding, springing or twisting.

Mounting in a
tab-frame caboose.

Mounting in a
riveted-frame caboose.
Bend the ends outward inside the car body.

Hop the Fast Freight to other Hints and Tips
Loco Front Couplers   •   Caboose Couplers  • Restoring Sheetmetal Curves
Filling Slots and Holes   •    Metallic Buffing Paste   •   Motortool Tips  •   Limiting Coupler Slide
Painting Tips   •   Tabs    •   Identifying Marx Trains    • The Hints and Tips Page

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