Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement

Introduction

This guide demonstrates how to replace a coupler on an Aethern Ready to Roll Railcar (ATH71981). The ATH71981 is an HO Scale 65-foot (65') Mill Gondola model train.

The coupler connects one railcar to another, allowing them to be towed by a locomotive. The coupler may need to be replaced if it's damaged and can't connect to other couplers.

This guide covers the replacement of a damaged coupler and aims to extend the model's lifespan, save you money, and reduce potential waste.

What you need

  1. Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement, Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler: step 1, image 1 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement, Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler: step 1, image 2 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement, Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Flip the railcar upside down so the bottom is facing up.

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the 4.3 mm screw that holds the truck in place.

    • Remove the truck from the bottom of the train.

    Edit

  2. Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the 4.3 mm screw from the coupler housing from the frame.

    • Remove the coupler housing.

    Edit

  4. Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use a plastic spudger to remove the coupler housing backplate from the main coupler housing.

    Edit

  5. Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the current coupler from the main housing section.

    • Put the new coupler inside the housing with the air hose on the opposite side of the open end.

    • Reattach the coupler housing backplate to main coupler housing.

    Edit

  6. Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Attach the coupler housing to the frame and screw it in place using a Phillips #0 Screwdriver.

    • Make sure the coupler is oriented correctly before connecting it. If the orientation does not match, the couplers will not fit together.

    Edit

  7. Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Athearn Ready To Roll Coupler Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Mount the truck to the frame.

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to secure the 4.3 mm screw.

    Edit
Conclusion

By completing this repair, you have successfully extended the lifespan of your Athearn Ready-to-Roll railcairs. You have saved money and reduced potential waste.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Coel Miller

Member since: 09/24/25

133 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Badges: 3

0 Guide Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 2

Past 30 Days: 16

All Time: 135