![Color photo showing underbody of N scale freight car.](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MRR-N-scale-couplers-body-mounted-1123_10.jpg)
Prototype locomotives and freight cars have body-mounted couplers, but that hasn’t always been the case on N scale models. Truck-mounted couplers were the standard for many years. Today, almost all N scale locomotives and most newly tooled freight cars have body-mounted N scale couplers. The primary reasons for making the switch from truck-mounted couplers to body-mounted couplers are a more prototypical appearance and better operation.
![Underbody of N scale freight car with truck removed.](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MRR-N-scale-couplers-installation-Micro-Trains-1123-12.jpg)
Even though more N scale models are being offered with body-mounted couplers, there are still scores of cars out there with truck-mounted couplers. The ease of converting these cars to body-mounted couplers varies among manufacturers.
![Freight car truck with wheels removed and chisel blade in photo.](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MRR-N-scale-couplers-draft-gear-box-removal-1123-13-1-873x1024.jpg)
Micro-Trains cars with truck-mounted couplers have mounting holes in the underframe for body mounting. Start by removing the draft-gear boxes with a No. 17 chisel blade or a jeweler’s saw.
![Photo showing N scale freight car underbody and drill bit in pin vise.](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MRR-N-scale-couplers-drill-bit-pin-vise-1123-14.jpg)
Then use a No. 60 bit to enlarge the hole in the draft-gear boxes to clear a 00-90 screw. Also use the bit to clear the holes in the underframe.
![Photo showing N scale freight car underbody and tap in pin vise.](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MRR-N-scale-couplers-drill-bit-tap-1123-15.jpg)
With the draft-gear boxes prepared, use a tap to make threads in the car floor. If the floor is metal, apply a drop of light oil to the tap so it doesn’t stick. Regardless of the material, work slowly and back the tap out periodically to remove any plastic or metal shavings.
![Color photo showing underbody of N scale hopper with drilled hole for coupler.](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MRR-N-scale-couplers-Trainworx-body-mount-coupler-pad-1123-16.jpg)
Other manufacturers have holes or dimples for body-mounting draft-gear boxes. Use the same steps for the Micro-Trains cars on these models.
![Color photo of N scale coupler conversion part.](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MRR-N-scale-couplers-Trainworx-coupler-conversion-Atlas-90-ton-hopper-1123-17-1.jpg)
Installing body-mounted N scale couplers on cars without locating holes or mounting platforms is a bit trickier. However, there are products that can help. Trainworx offers the factory-assembled nos. 620 and 622 body-mount magnetic coupler conversions. The 620 is designed for Precision Masters and Red Caboose Ortner five-bay rapid-discharge hoppers. The 622 is for the Atlas 90-ton three-bay hopper.
![Color photo of gray N scale covered hopper with black coupler and draft-gear box.](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MRR-N-scale-couplers-body-mount-styrene-strip-1123-18.jpg)
You can also make your own body-mount conversion. Jim Kelly, former Model Railroader managing editor and longtime N scale modeler, used styrene strip to build a mounting platform for a 1990s-era Atlas covered hopper.
Learn more about N scale couplers in this article by senior editor Cody Grivno.