Linker Coupler Tips and Tricks

I like the look of vintage Flyer linker couplers.  I think it is the only vintage way to couple passenger cars because the spacing of the cars is much closer than the knuckle couplers can do.  But a lot of guys don't like linkers because of the problems they present. Sigh.  Linker couplers are so misunderstood.  Sigh.  Here is how I adjust and modify the ones on my fleet to operate more reliably.

1)  The linker must rotate up and down freely and I mean freely.  If it doesn't, then touch a hot soldering iron to the bar head and wiggle the linker until it is free.  Don't melt it!  Clean off any oxidation or mold-release agent that has rendered with 91% alcohol and/or a hair dryer set on high.  Careful of the paint!

2)  Adjust the linker so that it rides just a tad above the track rail.

3)  Adjust the linker bar to be level

4)  Now comes a little Timboy Magic!  A typical linker has a straight edge at it's notch.  I use a small, round jeweler's file to back-cut a groove at the base of the notch on the linker.  That notch creates a hook which couples to the adjacent linker bar more firmly.