The EC87 features a true scale size coupler head along with a shank that allows it to be a drop-in upgrade for the traditional knuckle couplers included on most HO scale cars and locomotives.
The EC87 is available in both assembled and kit form. The assembled couplers are handy if you would rather spend your modeling time doing something other than assembling couplers. The kit version is easy to assemble and a bit less expensive. Some customers report that the kit couplers they assemble operate more smoothy than our factory assembled versions.
| Part # | Description | Price | Status | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC87A | 4 Assembled Die Cast AAR Type E Couplers with compatible shank | $7.00 | Stock Item |
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| EC87K | 6 Easy-to-Assemble Die Cast AAR Type E Couplers with compatible shank | $7.00 | Stock Item |
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An MS uncoupling wand is required to operate the couplers.
This wand is simply a custom made industrial strength magnetic rod which lifts the
internal steel
ball in the coupler allowing it to open. The wand has a wire attached to one end aid
in aligning couplers in preparation for a tie as well. We don't recommend
building your own uncoupling wand from magnets you may have lying around. Customers
who have tried this have reported less than satisfactory results.
Click here to see how to use the uncoupling wand.
| Part # | Description | Price | Status | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS | Local Uncoupling Tool | $6.00 | Stock Item |
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If you plan to assemble lots of EC87K kits, you'll want an AFC Assembly Fixture. This
fixture is used to hold
the coupler together as it is assembled. The AFC is also very handy for holding the
coupler if it becomes necessary to thin the shank of the coupler for certain
installations.
You'll probably want a couple of extra ball and spring packets, too. Even though Sergent Engineering will gladly replace these small parts at no charge if they happen to get lost during assembly, you might want them more quickly than we can send replacements. These are cheap and nice to have on hand.
| Part # | Description | Price | Status | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC | Precision Cast EC87K Assembly Fixture | $8.00 | Stock Item |
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| BP87 | Spare Ball Bearing and Spring Pack for EC87/EN87 | $1.00 | Stock Item |
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Couplers that have the cut lever attached on top are referred to
as "top operating" Couplers that have the cut lever attached at the bottom
are referred to as "bottom operating". The type E coupler
modeled by the EC87 was always available as a bottom operating coupler,
even though the top operating version seems to have been preferred initially.
Sergent Engineering offers two items to assist the modeler in adding these special
details.
The BCL87 contains 10 etched brass cut lever linkages. These linkages fit into slots on the bottom of the coupler as shown in the picture. The cut levers (not included) should be inserted through this linkage in a manner that allows the coupler to swing from side to side.
For those that desire to model top operating couplers, Sergent Engineering offers drilled top coupler castings which will accept lift rings. This option should be ordered at the same time coupler kits are ordered. Lift rings should be installed prior to assembly of the couplers since there is a risk that glue used to attach the rings may also make its way to the locking ball inside the coupler. For this reason, the drilled tops are only an option for kits - not assembled couplers.
Holes in top castings are created with a #80 drill. We recommend either bending your own eyebolts from 0.010" wire or using Grandt Line #5085 eyebolts (or #86085 if you would rather have the equivalent in brass) for this application.
| Part # | Description | Price | Status | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCL87 | 10 Etched Cut Lever Linkages for EC87/EN87 | $2.00 | Stock Item |
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| DRLEC | Drilled Top Option for one pkg EC87K | $1.00 | Add 1 week for delivery |
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