The Märklin 36218 drawing implies that the coupler #20 needs a screw #17. Oddly the spare part list under the image states that the coupler (#20) article number is E263730, while the spare part list generator to the right states that the coupler article number is 701560. In both lists, the screw #17 equals article number E785070 - see link:

https://www.maerklin.de/...lnummer=36218&lang=1

Consequently, just pulling would not help...

Thanks everyone.

It's certainly a very tight fit, I tried the "lever it apart with little screwdrivers" approach and thought if I went any further then this new loco would be wrecked.

If I drill through the locking pin with the right size drill then I can fit a replacement pin later if the 3D printing idea doesn't work out. I have drills in 0.1mm increments and a lathe so this wouldn't be hard.

If anyone can confirm that the standard coupler on the 36218 is indeed at the wrong height then that would be good.

BTW - that would make 5 out of 7 brand new Marklin locos that have needed something minor or major fixed to run properly ...

Hi Alsterstreek,

From what I have found removing screw 17 frees the bogie frame 16 - which is a single, solid piece.

The coupling 20 is a push fit into a pocket in the frame. The pocket has a taper (ramp visible on diagram) allowing the plastic coupler to push in easily enough but once it is in it locks firmly. I don't think there is a ramp to enable removal - like a ratchet or fishhook - easy one way, not the other.

I also didn't find any mention of coupler height on the forums - but a rough measurement is 11mm above rail height versus 8mm for everything else. It has uncoupled several times and I don't like things I can't trust.

I will fix this one way or another - I just wondered whether I'd missed something completely obvious to our experts.

I think the answer to the coupler problem can be found by putting 1borna and Alsterstreek's posts together. I ordered a pair of E701560 couplers as indicated in the parts list that came with my BR216. Lo and behold, they are different to mine.

Alsterstreek was on the right track when noticed the odd part numbers. The ones fitted to my loco are relex type E263730 and look the same as the old-style removable plate versions in 1borna's picture. They don't match the picture or part number in my manual. The M shop says the 36218 comes with close couplers but, if you look closely, one picture has relex couplers.

My guess is that E263730 are the correct fit for old style bogie frames with a removable plate and the E701560 are the correct close coupler type for the new one-piece bogie frames.

It seems some old-style couplers have been stuffed into new style bogie frames. That might explain the wrong coupler height and the great reluctance to be removed. I'll drill the "wrong" ones out and see how the "right" ones go.

Thanks to everyone for their help. Marklin - where quality is just a word ...