Article - Coupling

Post by **saslord** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 9:58 am

I have always known there were different methods of coupling out there but have never looked closely at them. What is the advantage of changing from standard couplings? How many different types are out their and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

The article will be set out like this:

1) Why change couplings?

2) What couplings are available and what would we recommend. (inc cost, function etc)

3) How do you change the couplings?

Any advice on this topic would be appreciated.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:35 am

Simon

I've been looking at couplings myself lately, I'd be willing to contribute this article if it would help.

Pete

Post by **saslord** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:37 am

As always pete I am happy for any help.

And also as always you are willing to help.

Thx

Ironduke · Post by **Ironduke** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:54 pm

1&2) I use Kadee couplings instead of the supplied tension lock couplings because:
They are less obtrusive. T/L couplings are sometimes HUGE and always ugly.
They couple easier (with less force and no bump)
They are automatic and uncouple magnetically so there is no need for physical contact with the decoupling device (less likelyhood of snagging).
They provide 'delayed' uncoupling which allows one to push a wagon into a siding and leave it there.
You can pick up a wagon from the middle of a trian and not take the whole train.

3) Changing to Kadee couplings varies with each model. It tends to be easier with Bachman stock because thier couplers are usually removeable, for some reason Hornby like to mould their couplers onto the model so changing over is difficult and potentially permanent. Changing all your stock at once is definitely time consuming and can be extremely frustrating but once it's done you'll be so pleased with their performance you'll wonder how Hornby ever came up with tension lock couplings in the first place.
Here's some pics :^)

Post by **saslord** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 7:07 am

Nice post. I will defiantly be using it in the artical.

you dont mind me using your pictures?

btw tension lock was invented by Peco. Hornby had to pay royalties to use it and this was what made Peco its money.

Ironduke · Post by **Ironduke** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 7:22 am

btw tension lock was invented by Peco. Hornby had to pay royalties to use it and this was what made Peco its money

oops! Well don't use that in the article.

I thought Peco invented magni-simplex couplings in competition with Hornby/Triang's tension locks ?

Post by **saslord** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 9:29 am

I was told by PECO when i had a long discussion with them that they designed the standard coupling and sold it to Hornby, and they used the money from that to build up the PECO empire.

Dave777 · Post by **Dave777** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 10:01 am

Interesting titbit of info, I never knew that.

Ironduke · Post by **Ironduke** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:58 pm

new info received - hornby came up with simplex couplings not peco :^)

Post by **saslord** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 9:50 pm

which ones are those? not up on coupling.

Ironduke · Post by **Ironduke** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 11:19 pm

these http://www.railway-models.co.uk/891_1_1215347.html
are a Peco update of the original simplex coupler that operate with a magnet similar to kadee. I think they might even have delayed uncoupling function but I'm not sure never having looked into them (you can get kadees anywhere in Aus but I've never seen magni simplex)

Henry's Grandad · Post by **Henry's Grandad** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 2:37 pm

Don't know if you consider this topic "Dead", but wonder if you know of the "Alex Jackson coupling" designed and developed by Alex many years ago primarily for use on EM gauge stock.

Full details with updates on the making, use and working of these couplings are to be found on

www.mmrs.org.uk/coupling.htm

An interesting cheap and simple to make, magnetically operated device, but with its own set of problems! Theres no such thing as a free lunch!

Hope this is of interest

Henry's Grandad · Post by **Henry's Grandad** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:33 pm

At the Derby Show I looked for coupling varieties and spotted a couple:-

The "Sprat and Winkle" coupling sold by Model Signal Engineering.
Coupling is automatic by pushing the rolling stock together, uncoupling by strategically placed permanent magnets under the track. The coupling hooks are sold as etched brass frets.

And a coupling which worked in a similar fashion to the S & W used by the Skipton EM Gauge Society on their "Whiteadder Junction" line. Sorry I did not get the makers name.

Ironduke · Post by **Ironduke** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:53 pm

Thanks Henry's Grandad.
what kind of couplings do you use?

Pill-46 · Post by **Pill-46** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:57 am

I've been using Kadee's for years. I removed all my tension locks,after I got fed up with sumo wrestling everytime I wanted to uncouple something. There are quite a large number of articals showing conversion and links from my website: http://home.intekom.com/wurzel/page8.html