Coupler for PIKO G Ore Hoppers

Like the short ore hoppers from LGB, the PIKO hoppers also have a very large distance between the cars when standard couplers are used. LGB has included special couplers for their cars. Due to the different design of the drawbar, I have adapted this idea for PIKO ore hoppers.

Besides exchanging the coupler on one end and removing the coupler on the other end, no modifications are required. 

Instructions

• Unscrew the couplers from both ends of the hopper
• Print the 3 parts per hopper to be mounted on one end 
• Glue the support part to the loop part (note the plugs and sockets as guidance), this allow you to couple with standard hook & loop couplers
• On one end of the hopper, position the loop part on the drawbar (the glued support part faces to the track) 
• Slide the cover part into the guides of the hook part
• Screw the loop part to the drawbar (you can temporary use the coupler without screw)

To couple two hoppers, press  the loop of one hopper slightly down and couple by moving the drawbar from the second hopper over the loop.

To uncouple, press the loop slightly down and move the drawbar out of the loop.

When coupled, your hoppers have now a distance of approximately 6 cm (compared to approximately 10 before).