Pre owned bargain???

Hi All. I purchased a very handsome Hornby M7 loco, from a respected "Club Member". The first chance I got I tried it on some lengths of track, pulling three Hornby carriages, no problem. One thing I had noticed , the front coupler was missing.. that wasn't a problem, as I could replace it. Which I did, and I soon realised why the coupler was missing, The coupler was catching the points and causing the Loco the to derail.Before anyone asks why I didn't take it back "Buyer Beware" springs to mind. But, I have resigned from that club,  the weekly club fees were too dear, ( I wasn't getting anything done on my own layout either). So that is it, I will have to see if there is anything that can be done with the coupler. In the meantime at least ,I have fitted a Decoder and programmed it,
All the best. Kevin

Removing the hook from the coupler leaving just the loop should solve your problem.

Hi Andy.  Thank you for your reply.  I never thought of that, and I have a lot of couplers where the hook has fallen off.All the best. Kevin

Hi Kevin,

This is when a picture would tell a thousand words. Pre-DCC or DCC ready? Assuming this a later model - Is this the original tension coupler in the NEM 362 mounting box and dovetail or a Kadee one? If it's a Kadee you're out of luck - it won't work with #17-20. This is a known issue, the box is too low and (and has too much slop). Put the vacuum tank back on and use it in push-pull operations.

Nigel

Hi Nigel.    Thank you for your reply. I must have missed that? The coupler is a NEM 362. But I am going wit Andy's suggestion, I am going "Hookless", as I have several suitable candidates. All the best. Kevin