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Model Forum / General / Railroads / May 2008[HO] coupler poll
What's your preferred HO scale coupler? Accurail Accumate Bachmann EZ Mate Intermountain Kadee Magne-Matic McHenry Proto 2000 Sergent Engineering X2F (horn hook) Other This is an informal poll. To vote, go to http://htmlgear.tripod.com/poll/control.poll?u=gb_route&i=33&a=render If you'd rather just see the current results of the poll, they are at http://htmlgear.tripod.com/poll/control.poll?u=gb_route&i=33&a=vote > What's your preferred HO scale coupler? > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > If you'd rather just see the current results of the poll, they are at > http://htmlgear.tripod.com/poll/control.poll?u=gb_route&i=33&a=vote Kadees are my favorite. The all metal construction and replaceable coupler spring make for a very durable coupler. They'll take quite a bit of abuse, such as being banged together in a box as the trains go from the house to the club. (I'm working on a transport container, but until then it's the cardboard box.) The all plastic knuckles tend to develop problems from either fatigue or deformation (especially if you hold the knuckle open too long), or the shafts bend and cause the head to sag. X2F couplers should be banned. They hold together too well, making uncoupling extremely difficult. Plus, if you have a car that derails and falls over it'll take the entire train with it. I enjoy model railroading much more when I'm not rerailing a 25 car train. Puckdropper  SignatureYou can only do so much with caulk, cardboard, and duct tape. To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm > > What's your preferred HO scale coupler? > > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > > > This is an informal poll. To vote, go to http://htmlgear.tripod.com/poll/control.poll?u=gb_route&i=33&a= > > render > > > > If you'd rather just see the current results of the poll, they are at http://htmlgear.tripod.com/poll/control.poll?u=gb_route&i=33&a=vote > Kadees are my favorite. The all metal construction and replaceable > coupler spring make for a very durable coupler. They'll take quite a bit [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Puckdropper Put those stupid hook & loop couplers Botch-man uses on their HO/OO Thomas stuff on the ban list while your at it. Len "Len" <lwnieman@bellsouth.net> wrote in news:KsJUj.941$Xv3.230 @bignews4.bellsouth.net: > Put those stupid hook & loop couplers Botch-man uses on their HO/OO > Thomas stuff on the ban list while your at it. > > Len The reason they use those things is because the prototypical Thomas the Tank Engine models used a different system. It's their cheap way to give kids something different and maintain the corporate* policy of "kids won't notice" (when in fact they're the ones who notice most!) I don't think they need to be banned, yet. *This isn't Bachmann policy AFAIK, it's just most toy manufacturers get several details wrong because they don't believe kids would notice. Puckdropper SignatureYou can only do so much with caulk, cardboard, and duct tape. To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm > "Puckdropper" <puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com> wrote in message [...] >> X2F couplers should be banned. They hold together too well, making >> uncoupling extremely difficult. Plus, if you have a car that [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Len Those hook and loop couplers are pretty well standard for UK model trains. Some of the more serious modellers use a variety of other couplers, even three-link couplers that mimic the prototype, some evn Kadees! None of the alternatives has become a de facto standard as the knuckle couplers has for N. American models. I use knuckle couplers from all mfrs, as long as they knuckle springs. HTH Signaturewolf k. >> What's your preferred HO scale coupler? Back in the daze, Mantua hook and loop. Cheap, simple, and they worked well with the appropriate low-priced uncoupling ramp. Now daze, I use Kadees. Lots pricier, not so functional, and lotta times a giant tree comes down out'n the sky to perform the uncoupling rite. What HO folks need is something like Lionel (un)couplers, eh. Push a button and it's done. Tejas Pedro >>> What's your preferred HO scale coupler? Accumate Scale Coupler. for the smaller size and narrow pocket. Howard Garner >>> What's your preferred HO scale coupler? > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > times a giant tree comes down out'n the sky to perform the uncoupling > rite. (A) In case you've been pulling a Rip Van Winkle for the last 20 years, *everything's* a lot pricier than it used to be, gas, food, and couplers included. (B) "Not so functional"? In what way? Having used both, I'd give the edge to Kaydee's functionality; hands down. (C) Uncoupling via ramps/magnets or any electronic method is even *more* unprototypical than using a probe: real trains are almost always uncoupled by hand. (And "giant trees" in HO scale would be roughly 41" long by 1.3" wide at the base, which seems more than a little bit oversized for an uncoupling probe.) "Flying saplings" would be more like it. > What HO folks need is something like Lionel (un)couplers, eh. Push > a button and it's done. Just a *bit* impractical from a cost and complexity standpoint. -Pete > (B) "Not so functional"? In what way? Having used both, I'd give the edge > to > Kaydee's functionality; hands down. Once again it's "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee". The most common spelling mistake on model railway groups is peoples' inability to spell K A D E E. Followed by "Advice" and "Advise". -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West > Once again it's "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", > "Kadee", "Kadee". But are you *sure*? "P. Roehling" <nowayjose@uh-uh.edu> wrote in news:482504f0$0$30492 $4c368faf@roadrunner.com: >> Once again it's "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", >> "Kadee", "Kadee". > > But are you *sure*? What's his deodorant got to do with the spelling of KD? Puckdropper SignatureYou can only do so much with caulk, cardboard, and duct tape. To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm ">>> Once again it's "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", >>> "Kadee", "Kadee". >> >> But are you *sure*? > > What's his deodorant got to do with the spelling of KD? "KD"? Kraft Dinner? That Canadian staple? -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West On 5/9/2008 9:00 PM Roger T. spake thus: > ">>> Once again it's "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", >>>> "Kadee", "Kadee". [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > "KD"? Kraft Dinner? That Canadian staple? No, it's that lowercase singer (last name of laing, I believe). SignatureThe best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. - Attributed to Winston Churchill >> ">>> Once again it's "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", >> "Kadee", [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > No, it's that lowercase singer (last name of laing, I believe). No, uppercase KD is Kraft Dinner. See: - http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/productspromotions/j-l/kraftdinnerbrandpage.htm -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West > > (B) "Not so functional"? In what way? Having used both, I'd give the edge > > to > > Kaydee's functionality; hands down. > > Once again it's "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", "Kadee", > "Kadee", "Kadee". I spell it "Micro-Trains". ;) Signature"The Dream is Alive! Music of the Space Shuttles" now available at your local filk dealer, at http://cdbaby.com/cd/joeellis, and as a digital download on iTunes at http://preview.tinyurl.com/yd7gns >>> What's your preferred HO scale coupler? > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Tejas Pedro Check out DCCuncoupling.com They make a decoder/solenoid set up that works very well. SignatureFrank Rosenbaum Please Support the following train shows: Trains Trains and More Trains, Puyallup, WA.: www.ttmtshows.com Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society, MI.: www.kmrhs.org Gratiot Valley Railroad Club, MI: www.gvrr.org >> On 08 May 2008 09:03:44 GMT, Puckdropper --- Snip, Snip > Check out DCCuncoupling.com They make a decoder/solenoid set up that works > very well. That's only a good solution if you have a federally funded layout. Regards >>> On 08 May 2008 09:03:44 GMT, Puckdropper > --- Snip, Snip >> Check out DCCuncoupling.com They make a decoder/solenoid set up that >> works very well. > > That's only a good solution if you have a federally funded layout. Oh, come on. For *real* authenticity, you need to shrink your operating crew down to the appropriate scale and put *them* on the layout. mark Frank A. Rosenbaum wrote: >>>> What's your preferred HO scale coupler? >> [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Check out DCCuncoupling.com They make a decoder/solenoid set up that > works very well. Lionel ???? Their system (as such) [Except for the 'Radio Control' special set --- Loco & 3 or 4 cars] is restricted to FIXED LOCATION 'Uncoupler Tracks'. The 'Radio Control' system WOULD work anywhere, but was restricted to the 'original equipment' (NO User accessory equipment possible.) The DCC system mentioned, while not inexpensive, is expandable AND works anywhere also. Chuck D. > Now daze, I use Kadees. Lots pricier, not so functional, and lotta > times a giant tree comes down out'n the sky to perform the uncoupling > rite. When you write "not so functional," what coupler type are you comparing them to? How does a person uncouple Mantua hook and loop couplers? > What's your preferred HO scale coupler? > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > X2F (horn hook) > Other Fleischmann profi. Klaus SignatureModelbane Europas hjemmeside: http://www.modelbaneeuropa.hadsten.dk Modeltog, internet, gratis spambekæmpelse, elektronik og andet: http://home6.inet.tele.dk/moppe > What's your preferred HO scale coupler? > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > This is an informal poll. To vote, go to > http://htmlgear.tripod.com/poll/control.poll?u=gb_route&i=33&a=render Oh dear, you can't mark more than one button! Too bad! Why oh why doe pollsters limit choices like this????? I don't have a _single_ favourite coupler, I use any knuckle coupler with a knuckle spring. > If you'd rather just see the current results of the poll, they are at > http://htmlgear.tripod.com/poll/control.poll?u=gb_route&i=33&a=vote Signaturewolf k. > I don't have a _single_ favourite coupler, I use any knuckle coupler with > a knuckle spring. Presumably you mean a *coil* spring. In my experience, the other sorts last maybe two weeks if you're lucky. -Pete Only one choice. Kadee. Nothing more needs to be said. -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West > Only one choice. > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Roger T. They're worse than useless for European modelling. Greg.P. "Kadees" > They're worse than useless for European modelling. It's the European lack of coupler pocket standards that's useless, not the Kadees. I have several friends who model the UK and use Kadees exclusively but the UK coupler pockets, if the exist, need major work. Besides, most UK modellers still use truck mounted couplers on rolling stock with trucks. DOH! -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West > "Kadees" > > > > They're worse than useless for European modelling. > > It's the European lack of coupler pocket standards that's useless, not the > Kadees. There's been an NEM coupler pocket standard for the last 20 odd years. They are almost totally consistant across all ranges other than UK ranges. > I have several friends who model the UK and use Kadees exclusively > but the UK coupler pockets, if the exist, need major work. Of course, they use a different scale (1:76.2) in the UK so there's confusion as to what height to make them. > Besides, most UK > modellers still use truck mounted couplers on rolling stock with trucks. > DOH! Well Doh yourself! When one mixes bogie stock with four wheel stock (normal operation) it is not practical to have body mounted couplings on the bogie on layouts with curves. Even a little thought will enable you to work that one out. However, the basic problem is something quite different: - European rolling stock has buffers mounted towards the outer edges of the buffer-beams. (that's headstocks or endbeams in the US) To get rolling stock with rigid center couplers around curves, they would have to be spaced well apart so that the buffers don't make contact with adjacent vehicles. It looks quite unrealistic. - Almost all European rolling stock has an extending coupling kinematic to solve the above problem. The kinematic relies on a rigid bar being formed by the couplers and their mounts to extend the spacing between vehicles. Using the Kadee couplers designed to fit the standard NEM coupler one ends up with 5(!!!) pivot points between coupled vehicles which allows the kinematic to extend under traction and shorten under compression, guarenteeing derailment of any scale length trains. I'll accept that Kadees are excellent in operation for something like a "Timesaver" where train lengths are limited to 3 wagons and there are no curves other than turnouts. Regards, Greg.P. *snip* > When one mixes bogie stock with four wheel stock (normal operation) it > is not practical to have body mounted couplings on the bogie on [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > Regards, > Greg.P. The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E and type F knuckle couplers, but other countries (with much shorter trains) use their own systems: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupler_(railroad) Puckdropper SignatureYou can only do so much with caulk, cardboard, and duct tape. To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm > *snip* > [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > and type F knuckle couplers, but other countries (with much shorter > trains) use their own systems: That's a very odd way to state the situation - are you trying to say that the US _doesn't_ use it's own coupler system??? Some countries run longer trains than those in the US. Regards, Greg.P. > Some countries run longer trains than those in the US. Yeah. And heavier. Canada. -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various >> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > That's a very odd way to state the situation - are you trying to say > that the US _doesn't_ use it's own coupler system??? I fail to see how you could misunderstand what he said, and he said nothing akin to that at *all*! > Some countries run longer trains than those in the US. Such as? Australia and Russia both strike me as being possibilities -both having long, long stretches without serious grades. But mile-long (1.609 K.) freights aren't in the least unusual in the US, and in areas where there are no serious grades, I.E. California's high deserts and most of the Midwest, they can stretch as long as two miles (3.2 K.). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_train -Pete > Such as? Australia and Russia both strike me as being possibilities And somebody else forgets C A N A D A. >> Such as? Australia and Russia both strike me as being possibilities > > And somebody else forgets C A N A D A. In case you haven't looked at map recently Roger, the great plains of the Midwest begin in Texas and extend up just about all the way to the north pole. That automatically includes C A N A D A, which, since their railroad systems -including couplers- are interchangeable with those of the US, can be included as being all one entity for purposes of this discussion, since the great plains are a geographical, not political, feature. Don't worry: everybody down here knows that there's a border up there somewhere, and that while the people on the north side of it may talk a little funny, they're perfectly nice folks and generally good neighbors. (And yes; I'm pulling your leg.) -Pete > > Such as? Australia and Russia both strike me as being possibilities > > And somebody else forgets C A N A D A. Who? ;^) >> > Such as? Australia and Russia both strike me as being possibilities >> >> And somebody else forgets C A N A D A. > > Who? > ;^) That's 'Eh?'. mark "why, one of my best friends is a Canuck"* * Ca-NOOK. Said friend corrected my pronunciation. Only a Canadian will correct the pronunciation of a national slur.... >> Such as? Australia and Russia both strike me as being possibilities > > And somebody else forgets C A N A D A. They're just Americans.... mark, a US citizen who can read a map.... ">>> Such as? Australia and Russia both strike me as being possibilities >> And somebody else forgets C A N A D A. > > They're just Americans.... Who went to down to Washington DC and burnt the "Whitehouse" down. Well, it only became the "Whitehouse" after the fire 'cause they painted it white to cover up the fire damage. -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West > Well, it only became the "Whitehouse" after the fire 'cause they painted > it > white to cover up the fire damage. "The name 'White House' probably came into colloquial use soon after the stonemasons whitewashed the house in 1798 to protect the walls." http://www.whitehousehistory.org/02/subs/02_b.html >> Well, it only became the "Whitehouse" after the fire 'cause they painted >> it [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > stonemasons whitewashed the house in 1798 to protect the walls." > http://www.whitehousehistory.org/02/subs/02_b.html American revisionist history. In 1812, American invaders, expecting an easy march into Canada were beaten back by British, Canadian and First Nations peoples. No, The White House (Sorry for the misspelling) was painted white after it was set fire by invaders from Canada in August, 1814. After capturing the Presidential Manor (The the "White House was then known), the British commanders ate the supper which had been prepared for the president before they burned the Presidential Mansion the Treasury and other public buildings. The Presidential Manor rebuilt and painted white to cover the parts damaged by the fire and renamed the "White House". Something not talked about much south of the 49th. Same as they still claim North America was "discovered" by that later comer Columbus when in fact, the Vikings were here way before he set foot on some Caribbean Island and thought he'd found a route to Japan or China. -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West >>> Well, it only became the "Whitehouse" after the fire 'cause they painted >>> it [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > No, The White House (Sorry for the misspelling) was painted white after it > was set fire by invaders from Canada in August, 1814. No one is saying it wasn't painted white then. revisionist history is to deny that it was white before then. >> In 1812, American invaders, expecting an easy march into Canada were >> beaten [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >No one is saying it wasn't painted white then. revisionist history is to >deny that it was white before then. My references state the White House was built 1792-1800 of white painted Aquia sandstone. If so, then is was always white. >> No, The White House (Sorry for the misspelling) was painted white after >> it >> was set fire by invaders from Canada in August, 1814. > > No one is saying it wasn't painted white then. revisionist history is to > deny that it was white before then. I've read both versions. 1) It was white before being burnt. 2) It was painted white after being burnt. It wasn't called the "White House" until after the fire. -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West >>>> Well, it only became the "Whitehouse" after the fire 'cause they painted >>>> it [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >No one is saying it wasn't painted white then. revisionist history is to >deny that it was white before then. It's amazing that a coupler poll turns into an argument over White House history here :) Well, the short answer is that it didn't officially become "The White House" until Teddy Roosevelt's time. I've read the Wikipedia entry, and it seems sound enough. The URL is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House Sad that it's no longer open to the public. I toured it in 1969. Nice house. Beats a double-wide mobile home. Scary that Nixon was probably upstairs while I was there... :) Dale > Scary that Nixon was probably upstairs while I was there... :) I know what you mean - I worry that they didn't get the stake through his heart before they buried him. But not nearly as scary as the past 7+ years. SignatureSteve >> Scary that Nixon was probably upstairs while I was there... :) > >I know what you mean - I worry that they didn't get the stake through his >heart before they buried him. But not nearly as scary as the past 7+ >years. LOL :) I'm pretty sure W will just retire to his ranch in Crawford. Not so sure that Nixon won't return. Didn't the "stake" remark come from someone from his own administration? :) Further derailing the topic. But hey- derailments are on topic here, I suppose... > On Sat, 10 May 2008 23:57:12 -0700, Steve Caple > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > Further derailing the topic. But hey- derailments are on topic here, I > suppose... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maybe it's time that the U.S. Presidency is outsourced to India... maybe even the entire U.S. Government. <g> BTW, does anyone still use (HO) Baker couplers? When I was modeling HO, I used "horn hooks"... couldn't keep the cars coupled while on the track and couldn't get 'em uncoupled when I picked them up. Sigh. Might be one of the reasons I changed to N scale. I still use Rapido couplers. Bill Bill's Railroad Empire N Scale Model Railroad: http://www.billsrailroad.net Brief History of N Scale: http://www.billsrailroad.net/history/n-scale Bill's Store--Books, Trains, and Toys: http://www.billsrailroad.net/bookstore Resources--Links to 1,200 sites: http://www.billsrailroad.net/bills-favorite-links > Maybe it's time that the U.S. Presidency is outsourced to India... > maybe even the entire U.S. Government. <g> A good chance they'd speak better English; a different accent wouldn't hurt, either. SignatureSteve If only Texas WAS a "whole other country" - http://www.qsl.net/w5www/texas.htm >> Scary that Nixon was probably upstairs while I was there... :) > > I know what you mean - I worry that they didn't get the stake through > his heart before they buried him. But not nearly as scary as the past 7+ > years. I still want to dig the body up and put one through it. mark On 5/12/2008 8:14 PM mark spake thus: >>> Scary that Nixon was probably upstairs while I was there... :) >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > I still want to dig the body up and put one through it. Or, like Paula Poundstone, piss on his grave. (I think she was the one who said that.) SignatureThe best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. - Attributed to Winston Churchill > On 5/12/2008 8:14 PM mark spake thus: >>> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Or, like Paula Poundstone, piss on his grave. (I think she was the one > who said that.) Since there's no way I could dig the body up, I'd settle for that, too. mark >>> Well, it only became the "Whitehouse" after the fire 'cause they painted >>> it white to cover up the fire damage. <snip> > Same as they still claim North America was "discovered" by that later > comer Columbus when in fact, the Vikings were here way before he set foot > on some Caribbean Island and thought he'd found a route to Japan or China. And, lessee, the "traditional" Columbus Day is 12 Oct, so I always make note, if not celebrate, Lief Erikson Day on 11 Oct. mark "and then there's the Cymraeg Saint who sailed over the Pond in a coracle in the 600's...." > >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various > >> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I fail to see how you could misunderstand what he said, and he said nothing > akin to that at *all*! Quote: "... _but_ other countries ... use their own systems:" The distinction is made by the "but". That's not so difficult for english speaking individuals! > > Some countries run longer trains than those in the US. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > no serious grades, I.E. California's high deserts and most of the Midwest, > they can stretch as long as two miles (3.2 K.). Australia, Canada, South Africa. I presumed we were talking averages, not ultimate lengths. If we are talking ultimate lengths then I believe Australia would claim that title. Regards, Greg.P. >> >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the >> >> various couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > That's not so difficult for english speaking individuals! *snip* Read the sentence with "AND" rather than "BUT", then. It means almost the same thing, however the hint that both the subject and object are about to be ripped mercilessly out from under the reader goes away. That really screws with some readers minds, so I try to avoid it by using "but" where appropriate. -- The US has standardized on the type E and type F knuckle couplers, AND other countries (with much shorter trains) use their own systems: Puckdropper SignatureYou can only do so much with caulk, cardboard, and duct tape. To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm > >> >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the > >> >> various couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > really screws with some readers minds, so I try to avoid it by using > "but" where appropriate. I know that many stupid people use "and" and "but" interchangably, but they are not interchangable. They have different meanings and one must assume that the writer means what they say. eg ... 'use "and" but "but" interchagably,' from the above sentence doesn't make any sense. > -- The US has standardized on the type E and type F knuckle couplers, AND > other countries (with much shorter trains) use their own systems: Are you saying that the US doesn't use it's own coupler system? Regards, Greg.P. > I know that many stupid people use "and" and "but" interchangably, but > they are not interchangable. Ed-i-tor: (n.) A primitive form of life that apparently wanted to evolve into a writer, but lacked the creativity to do anything other than dwell on unimportant minutia. Cri-tic: (n.) An editor with less talent. > > I know that many stupid people use "and" and "but" interchangably, but > > they are not interchangable. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Cri-tic: (n.) An editor with less talent. I'm a _reader_ and _contributor_, Paul. The discussion was about HO model couplers. I responded to several postings that appeared to say that the Kadee is the ultimate coupling. My intended point was that the Kadee is good when representing knuckle couplings, but that it is less than ideal in the functional sense when used with side buffers. That is after all, the most common prototype system world-wide. In regards to my New Zealand Railways modelling, where a center coupling is used, the knuckle coupling is a practical option. However, it doesn't look like the real coupler and body mounting is impractical on the radius curves normally used. ie it is _not_ the ultimate coupler. Regards, Greg.P. >> > I know that many stupid people use "and" and "but" interchangably, but >> > they are not interchangable. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > I'm a _reader_ and _contributor_, Paul. And apparently you're no good at those either, Harvy. >> I know that many stupid people use "and" and "but" interchangably, but >> they are not interchangable. "But" is logically equivalent to "and". But you knew that, didn't you? Signaturewolf k. > >> I know that many stupid people use "and" and "but" interchangably, but > >> they are not interchangable. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > -- > wolf k. You mean in the sense that Wolf is loigically equal to Kirchmeir? Equivalent in value but not in meaning. >>> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various >>> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I fail to see how you could misunderstand what he said, and he said nothing > akin to that at *all*! Greg will misunderstand, misinterpret, misrepresent anything and everything, if he can make it come out as an anti-USA statement. It seems to be a pathalogical behavior for him. Paul >> Some countries run longer trains than those in the US. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > -Pete Signature-- Excuse me, I'll be right back. I have to log onto a server in Romania and verify all of my EBay, PayPal, bank and Social Security information before they suspend my accounts. Working the rockie road of the G&PX > >>> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various > >>> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Paul Paul, I only read what is written. When you make an 'anti- 95% of the world' statement I take it as such. Obnoxiousness and stupidity seems to be your normal behaviour. Regards, Greg.P. >> Greg will misunderstand, misinterpret, misrepresent anything and >> everything, [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Paul, I only read what is written. > When you make an 'anti- 95% of the world' statement I take it as such. Greg, What statement did you view as "'anti- 95% of the world' and take it as such? > >> Greg will misunderstand, misinterpret, misrepresent anything and > >> everything, [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > What statement did you view as "'anti- 95% of the world' and take it as > such? Hi Mark, we're in danger of making _way_ too much of this. ;-) It was the comment where the US uses coupler design "XYZ" while other countries use their own designs. To me, that leaves the USa in exactly the same position as other countries, ie using it's own design, or to put it another way, there's no distinction. The exceptions are where other countries don't use their own design, such as Canada, Mexico, all the countries of Europe using the European standard, etc. Regards, Greg.P. >>> Greg will misunderstand, misinterpret, misrepresent anything and >>> everything, [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > What statement did you view as "'anti- 95% of the world' and take it as > such? Apparently Greg was referring to the statement I didn't make. Paul -- Excuse me, I'll be right back. I have to log onto a server in Romania and verify all of my EBay, PayPal, bank and Social Security information before they suspend my accounts. Working the rockie road of the G&PX >>>> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various >>>> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > if he can make it come out as an anti-USA statement. It seems to be a > pathalogical behavior for him. I sort of figured. >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various >> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > That's a very odd way to state the situation - are you trying to say > that the US _doesn't_ use it's own coupler system??? The coupler system in use in the US is also used in common with Canada and Mexico -- isn't it? > >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various > >> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > The coupler system in use in the US is also used in common with Canada and > Mexico -- isn't it? I believe Russia's coupler system developed from the US coupler pre WWI. AFAIK the US's coupler system is it's own, but it is also used by several other nations. The use of geographically standardized coupler systems is useful for interchange. Where rail systems are isolated, what is required is a workable coupling system. >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various >> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > that the US _doesn't_ use it's own coupler system??? > Some countries run longer trains than those in the US. I don't think the author implied anything either way. But just as equally, you seem to be muddying the waters. What is your position? Do you think the US does -- or doesn't -- use it's own coupler system? It seems that they don't. > >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various > >> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > the US does -- or doesn't -- use it's own coupler system? It seems that > they don't. I'm not sure that _any_ country uses it's own coupler system. I suppose there is one somewhere, but the only one I (thought I) could bring to mind was the USa. Regards, Greg.P. On 5/23/2008 1:22 AM Greg Procter spake thus: >> >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various >> >> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > I suppose there is one somewhere, but the only one I (thought I) could > bring to mind was the USa. Well, the fact that rail cars and locomotives from Newfoundland down to Tierra del Fuego can all be compatibly coupled pretty much demolishes *that* theory. SignatureThe best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. - Attributed to Winston Churchill > On 5/23/2008 1:22 AM Greg Procter spake thus: > [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > Tierra del Fuego can all be compatibly coupled pretty much demolishes > *that* theory. Do we have a language problem here? How does the fact that rolling stock of the railways from New Foundland down to Terra del Fuego can all be coupled demolish that theory? If one of those countries uses it's own coupler and the others use the same coupler for compatibility, the theory is demonstrated to be _correct_. Regards, Greg.P. > The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various > couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E > and type F knuckle couplers, but other countries (with much shorter > trains) use their own systems: > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupler_(railroad) That's odd. The link gives me a page that says no such article exists! >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various >> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > The link gives me a page that says no such article exists! It worked for me, but the site shows no closed paren. Try this one. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupler_(railroad SignatureFrank Rosenbaum Please Support the following train shows: Trains Trains and More Trains, Puyallup, WA.: www.ttmtshows.com Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society, MI.: www.kmrhs.org Gratiot Valley Railroad Club, MI: www.gvrr.org >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the various >> couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on the type E [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > The link gives me a page that says no such article exists! Correction. there is no article with this exact title. There seem to be ways to get to articles about couplers though. SignatureFrank Rosenbaum Please Support the following train shows: Trains Trains and More Trains, Puyallup, WA.: www.ttmtshows.com Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society, MI.: www.kmrhs.org Gratiot Valley Railroad Club, MI: www.gvrr.org >> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the >> various couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > The link gives me a page that says no such article exists! Try this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupling_%28railway%29 That'll teach me to copy and paste what I entered to the URL bar. Apparently Wikipedia doesn't redirect your browser, it just simply feeds you the page from the database. Puckdropper SignatureYou can only do so much with caulk, cardboard, and duct tape. To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm On 5/9/2008 1:00 AM Puckdropper spake thus: >>> The Wikipedia article on couplers has some nice pictures of the >>> various couplers used in other countries. The US has standardized on [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Apparently Wikipedia doesn't redirect your browser, it just simply feeds > you the page from the database. Actually, it (Wikipedia) *does* redirect, but it's an internal wiki-thing, and only works if there's a "redirect" in place. You can actually create them yourself if you like (using the #redirect directive). SignatureThe best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. - Attributed to Winston Churchill > Try this: > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupling_%28railway%29 Bingo! Interesting article. Thanx. -Pete >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupler_(railroad) > > That's odd. > The link gives me a page that says no such article exists! No big deal, your newsreader is just probably not recognizing the final parenthesis in the URL. Just use the link but add the final ")" to it, or hopefully this does the trick: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupler_(railroad)> >> "Kadees" >> > >> > They're worse than useless for European modelling. It depends, I am seriously contemplating using the NEM coupler pocket-compatible Kadees (types 18 and 19, mostly). >> It's the European lack of coupler pocket standards that's useless, not >> the Kadees. > > There's been an NEM coupler pocket standard for the last 20 odd years. > They are almost totally consistant across all ranges other than UK > ranges. As Greg said, in European continent, nearly everybody uses NEM coupler pockets, either bogie-mounted or body-mounted (the latter becoming slowly the majority). > - European rolling stock has buffers mounted towards the outer edges of > the buffer-beams. (that's headstocks or endbeams in the US) > To get rolling stock with rigid center couplers around curves, they > would have to be spaced well apart so that the buffers don't make > contact with adjacent vehicles. It looks quite unrealistic. There is a 'close coupling' system by Roco (which is the one used in most of the trains/wagons in continental Europe trains, if you want realistic passenger operation). Problem is, they are using a rather obtrusive center 'thing' that is visually irritating to people like me. > - Almost all European rolling stock has an extending coupling kinematic > to solve the above problem. The kinematic relies on a rigid bar being [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > which allows the kinematic to extend under traction and shorten under > compression, guarenteeing derailment of any scale length trains. I suppose that you mean a 'close coupler' like the ones by Roco? Another solution (pricey, though) is to use sprung buffers (just like the prototype), so the pressure on a buffer doesn't cause a wagon to derail. > I'll accept that Kadees are excellent in operation for something like a > "Timesaver" where train lengths are limited to 3 wagons and there are no > curves other than turnouts. Hm, maybe I will try to equip a small fleet of passenger wagons with Kadees, it should be an interesting experiment... but first I have other projects to do. Cheers, N.Fotis > >> "Kadees" > >> > > >> > They're worse than useless for European modelling. > > It depends, I am seriously contemplating using the NEM coupler > pocket-compatible Kadees (types 18 and 19, mostly). As I stated elsewhere, these will work well if your numbers of wagons in a train are kept small. As the train gets larger, the weight of the trailing wagons will pull the close coupling mechanisim to one side or the other. > >> It's the European lack of coupler pocket standards that's useless, not > >> the Kadees. [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > Problem is, they are using a rather obtrusive center 'thing' that is > visually irritating to people like me. I presume you mean Roco's coupling head. :-( To me that is an unacceptable non-prototypical addition. > > - Almost all European rolling stock has an extending coupling kinematic > > to solve the above problem. The kinematic relies on a rigid bar being [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > I suppose that you mean a 'close coupler' like the ones by Roco? Yes. > Another solution (pricey, though) is to use sprung buffers (just like the > prototype), so the pressure on a buffer doesn't cause a wagon to derail. That works _if_ you can employ curves large enough to ensure the buffers always coincide. (circa 1m in HO) Most of us are forced to utilize tighter curves, which guarentee that buffers wil cross behind each other and lock. > > I'll accept that Kadees are excellent in operation for something like a > > "Timesaver" where train lengths are limited to 3 wagons and there are no [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > it should be an interesting experiment... but first I have other projects > to do. It's a quick test to do, but unless your trains are short it will not work 100%. Regards, Greg.P. >> It depends, I am seriously contemplating using the NEM coupler >> pocket-compatible Kadees (types 18 and 19, mostly). [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > As the train gets larger, the weight of the trailing wagons will pull > the close coupling mechanisim to one side or the other. Well, a typical European passenger train reaches about 10 wagons, and a typical freight reaches 30 to 40 wagons (both 2-axle and 4-axle). If such size trains work well, that's more than enough for our needs. >> There is a 'close coupling' system by Roco (which is the one used in most >> of the trains/wagons in continental Europe trains, if you want realistic [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > I presume you mean Roco's coupling head. :-( > To me that is an unacceptable non-prototypical addition. I agree, it's pretty intrusive visually, but not worse than the others used in Europe (look at the following page another poster mentioned: http://boldts.net/TrainsModel2-Couplers.shtml ) >> Another solution (pricey, though) is to use sprung buffers (just like the >> prototype), so the pressure on a buffer doesn't cause a wagon to derail. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Most of us are forced to utilize tighter curves, which guarentee that > buffers wil cross behind each other and lock. Since me and my colleagues are using FREMO modules, the *minimum* curves we are using are (guess what) around 1 meter (3+ feet), so I think we might pull it off. >> Hm, maybe I will try to equip a small fleet of passenger wagons with >> Kadees, it should be an interesting experiment... but first I have other >> projects to do. > > It's a quick test to do, but unless your trains are short it will not > work 100%. I am tempted to try this, especially with push-pull trains (with the locomotive pushing - THAT should be fun :-) ) An important thing to note: the wagons being pushed must be heavy enough for that push-pull action (many 2-axle European wagons are way too light, and derail at the slightest provocation). Cheers, N.Fotis [...] > I agree, it's pretty intrusive visually, but not worse than the others used > in Europe (look at the following page another poster mentioned: > http://boldts.net/TrainsModel2-Couplers.shtml ) [...] Interesting that there are basically two types: hook and loop, and knuckle. Last time we were in the UK I noticed that pretty well all the trains now have knuckle couplers, although the older coaches have a drop-down version so that the hook and link coupler can be used. On the continent, trams and commuter trainsets all use some kind of knuckle coupler combined with brake lines and power/control lines. There doesn't seem to be a universal type, though. The railroads still use hook and link. HTH Signaturewolf k. > [...] > > I agree, it's pretty intrusive visually, but not worse than the others used [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > -- > wolf k. Hi Wolf, That's _three_ types. The European tram coupler (name escapes me right now) has been around since the early 1900s. It consists of a buffing plate with a domed peg on one side of the centre-line and a matching hole on the other. There is a dropping cross latch behind the plate that rides up over the mating peg of the other coupler and drops into a slot in the top of the peg. In addition there are gathering bar "ears" at opposite top and bottom corners so that misaligned couplers pull into alignment as they meet. There are two main types of hook and link couplers, loose link (now defunct) and screw link couplers. The difference in operation between coupled screw link and knuckle couplers is that the screw link tightens to the point where wagons are in tension against the sprung buffers, forming a single unit train, whereas knuckle couplers have a considerable amount of loose slack. A European goods train will start and run as a single unit (requiring more horsepower per unit) whereas a knuckle coupler train can be started one wagon at a time. The downside of the slack is in more damage to goods and slower speed operation. European railways did decide to introduce a standard modern technology knuckle coupler (late 1980s) but it didn't happen, presumably due to the huge cost for minimal gain. Automatic couplers have been used for passenger service in Europe for some considerable time, largely due to the difficulty of operating screw couplers in the confined space between buffers under corridor connectors. A problem there is that countries (eg UK) that fitted knuckle couplers early are stuck with the poorly functioning (slack coupling) "Buckeye" types, while countries standardizing on more recent designs get better operation but incompatibility. Greg.P. > >> It depends, I am seriously contemplating using the NEM coupler > >> pocket-compatible Kadees (types 18 and 19, mostly). [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > typical freight reaches 30 to 40 wagons (both 2-axle and 4-axle). > If such size trains work well, that's more than enough for our needs. I came to grief with a 20 (Landerbahn) wagon train on 900mm (3') radius at a gradient of 1 : 30-40. (3.3%-2.5%) 99% of the time. The level track formation at the top of the gradient was a passing track with an 'S' curve formed of a pair of Peco large radius turnouts. Taking the straight through track, the KK and couplers being offset fully generally did not derail the wagons, but taking the crossover always derailed them. Working backwards from there by reducing the train length, 100% operation was reached at about 15-16 wagons, but only at scale speeds. You might well get away with your 30-40 wagon train with Kadees, but the couplings will have locked at full swing and there will be no leaway for any other faults, however minimal. > >> There is a 'close coupling' system by Roco (which is the one used in most > >> of the trains/wagons in continental Europe trains, if you want realistic [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > in Europe (look at the following page another poster mentioned: > http://boldts.net/TrainsModel2-Couplers.shtml ) I currently have a much smaller NEM compatible KK coupler design with Brawa for consideration. > >> Another solution (pricey, though) is to use sprung buffers (just like the > >> prototype), so the pressure on a buffer doesn't cause a wagon to derail. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > are using are (guess what) around 1 meter (3+ feet), so I think we might > pull it off. I'm sure you will, but it will be like fitting a Porsche Turbo engine to a standard VW Kaefer and driving down the Autobahn at 350km/hr. ;-) > >> Hm, maybe I will try to equip a small fleet of passenger wagons with > >> Kadees, it should be an interesting experiment... but first I have other [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > that push-pull action (many 2-axle European wagons are way too light, and > derail at the slightest provocation). As I said at the beginning, the problem arises from the train load exceeding the centering force of the KK centering spring, adding weight to the rolling stock exasserbates the problem. I weight my wagons using a formula similar to the NMRA formula, resulting in a 65 gram weight per 105mm wagon. Regards, Greg.P. [...] >> I'll accept that Kadees are excellent in operation for something like a >> "Timesaver" where train lengths are limited to 3 wagons and there are no [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Cheers, > N.Fotis Greg, people have backed up long trains at speed. Me too. No problem with Kadees. Actually, it's a good way to find glitches in the track work. ;-) HTH Signaturewolf k. > [...] > >> I'll accept that Kadees are excellent in operation for something like a [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > with Kadees. Actually, it's a good way to find glitches in the track > work. ;-) My experience is different, and my analysis of the forces involved suggests you are on the point of disaster with that action. Glitches in track formation should take you over that point. Kadees will _not_ operate the KK kinematics in the manner required but will operate them in a disasterous manner. Admittedly it does require a gradient and a change of curve, but many layouts have those. IOWs, you might have got away with it, but don't presume everyone will or even that you will 100% of the time. Your success is entirely based on each individual coupling centering spring having a centering force greater than the load imposed by the tractive effort of the loco and greater than the rolling resistance of the train being pulled. Any glitch can pull the KK mechanisim fully to one or other side, and a change in curve, such as a crossover will derail the wagons on either side of the extended KK mechanisims which cannot pull back. Regards, Greg.P. > It's the European lack of coupler pocket standards that's useless What ? They have been mounted with NEM pocket for decades now. > not the Kadees. The problem is excatly the kadees, since they do not form a strong connection. Eureopean rolling stock can run buffer to buffer and in curves extend the coupler pocket to give enough space to clear the buffers for each other. If you want to run buffer 2 buffer with kadees you han only pull the train, not push, since the Kadee coupler does not couple firm enough. That is where the Fleischmann Profi coupler comes in, I think you could benefit from reading this: http://boldts.net/TrainsModel2-Couplers.shtml > I have several friends who model the UK and use Kadees exclusively > but the UK coupler pockets, if the exist, need major work. Besides, most UK > modellers still use truck mounted couplers on rolling stock with trucks. UK ? They are seperated from main Europe by water - they live as We did 30 years ago..... Klaus (Danish) SignatureModelbane Europas hjemmeside: http://www.modelbaneeuropa.hadsten.dk Modeltog, internet, gratis spambekæmpelse, elektronik og andet: http://home6.inet.tele.dk/moppe > UK ? > > They are seperated from main Europe by water - they live as We did 30 > years ago..... This is going to come as quite a surprise to the British, Scots, Welch, and Irish. > This is going to come as quite a surprise to the British, Scots, Welch, and > Irish. No - because most of them has never left the "Empire". I'm going there next week............Huntingdon - Cambridgeshire Klaus SignatureModelbane Europas hjemmeside: http://www.modelbaneeuropa.hadsten.dk Modeltog, internet, gratis spambekæmpelse, elektronik og andet: http://home6.inet.tele.dk/moppe >> UK ? >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > This is going to come as quite a surprise to the British, Scots, Welch, > and Irish. "Welch"? :-) Anyway, the worst thing the UK ever did was join Europe. Now the UK is inundated by stupid regulations eminating from Brussels. -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West >> This is going to come as quite a surprise to the British, Scots, Welch, >> and Irish. > > "Welch"? :-) Typos happen. (So you'd prefer "Cymraeg"?) >>> This is going to come as quite a surprise to the British, Scots, Welch, >>> and Irish. >> >> "Welch"? :-) > > Typos happen. (So you'd prefer "Cymraeg"?) Yes! mark (my mother-in-law is one) >>> This is going to come as quite a surprise to the British, Scots, Welch, >>> and Irish. >> >> "Welch"? :-) > > Typos happen. (So you'd prefer "Cymraeg"?) Much better. You did notice the smilie? -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West >>> "Welch"? :-) >> >> Typos happen. (So you'd prefer "Cymraeg"?) > > Much better. You did notice the smilie? Yup. >> UK ? >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > This is going to come as quite a surprise to the British, Scots, Welch, > and Irish. But it's true... their economy is more like the US's back then.... mark >> I don't have a _single_ favourite coupler, I use any knuckle coupler with >> a knuckle spring. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > -Pete Those other things aren't springs... ;-) Signaturewolf k. >>> I don't have a _single_ favourite coupler, I use any knuckle coupler >>> with a knuckle spring. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Those other things aren't springs... ;-) You know it, and *I* know it, but a lot of folks -manufacturers included- have yet to get the word. A few weeks ago I actually had a Kaydee coupler fail: it snapped right off at the joint between the head and the drawbar. But it was near the front of a long heavy train going up a steep winding grade, and that's the *first* outright Kaydee failure I can recall having in something like 50 years of model railroading. I don't mind paying for reliability. -Pete > A few weeks ago I actually had a Kaydee coupler fail: Kadee; Kadee; Kadee; Kadee; Kadee; Kadee; Kadee; Kadee; Kadee; Kadee; Kadee; Kadee. There's no excuse. -- Cheers Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:- http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/ Latitude: 48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West > What's your preferred HO scale coupler? > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > If you'd rather just see the current results of the poll, they are at > http://htmlgear.tripod.com/poll/control.poll?u=gb_route&i=33&a=vote You asked here. I tell you here. X2F! (horn hooks.) SignatureFrom the Desk of the Sysop of: Planet Maca's Opus, a Free open BBS system. telnet://pinkrose.dhis.org Web Site: http://pinkrose.dhis.org, Dialup 860-618-3091 300-33600 bps The New Cnews maintainer B'ichela > In article <4822a3fa$0$20183$4c368faf@roadrunner.com>, Mark Mathu > wrote: >> What's your preferred HO scale coupler? *trim* > You asked here. I tell you here. X2F! (horn hooks.) Are X2F's your favorite because you actually like them, or are they the only things you have? At one time, they were good enough for me... Puckdropper SignatureYou can only do so much with caulk, cardboard, and duct tape. To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm >> In article <4822a3fa$0$20183$4c368faf@roadrunner.com>, Mark Mathu >> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Are X2F's your favorite because you actually like them, or are they the > only things you have? At one time, they were good enough for me... Because of my eyesight, legaly blind, its the only coupler I can manage to instal without losing all the parts! ;) Besides almost all entry level train sets and rolling stock have these. Again being on disability one has to make do with what they have. They work fine for me as well. although I have had my share of problems when backing up a cut of cars, they do what they were intended to. couple cars. SignatureFrom the Desk of the Sysop of: Planet Maca's Opus, a Free open BBS system. telnet://pinkrose.dhis.org Web Site: http://pinkrose.dhis.org, Dialup 860-618-3091 300-33600 bps The New Cnews maintainer B'ichela > In article <026ed15b$0$26887$c3e8da3@news.astraweb.com>, Puckdropper > wrote: [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > problems when backing up a cut of cars, they do what they were > intended to. couple cars. N scale Rapido couplers seem to have solved the backing issue. They're basically oversized squared knuckles that couple automatically by lifting one over the other. Unfortunately, the coupler spring is seperate so there's some assembly to be done. (Fighting coupler springs is NEVER fun!) I don't think they'd look too bad on HO models... Puckdropper SignatureYou can only do so much with caulk, cardboard, and duct tape. To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm > >> Are X2F's your favorite because you actually like them, or are they > >> the only things you have? At one time, they were good enough for [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > I don't think they'd look too bad on HO models... I use the Rapido heads on my British HO models. - mounted on wires running circa 2" back to a fixed point on the underframe - iron link chain dangling in the appropriate point for magnetic uncoupling - wire bar below the bufferbeam to limit the drop. They are small, cheap, magnetic uncoupling, very light coupling and will couple with a standard NEM coupler. (they don't then uncouple magnetically) I did try NEM and Kadee couplers but they were too large and spoiled the appearance. Regards, Greg.P. >>>>Are X2F's your favorite because you actually like them, or are they >>>>the only things you have? At one time, they were good enough for [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > I did try NEM and Kadee couplers but they were too large and spoiled the > appearance. Now THIS sounds like an interesting an useful bit of information, Greg Thanks!! Chuck D. > Regards, > Greg.P. >>>In article <4822a3fa$0$20183$4c368faf@roadrunner.com>, Mark Mathu >>>wrote: [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > They work fine for me as well. Which is the most important reason of all!!!!!!! > although I have had my share of problems when backing up a cut of cars, they do what > they were intended to. couple cars. Chuck D. > What's your preferred HO scale coupler? Kadee #4 and #5. SignatureRick Jones Remove the Extra Dot to e-mail me The Lake Erie & Oregon Railroad http://www.geocities.com/seventysixinchesoffun/ "These ideas on which we have based this Constitution of ours will be applauded by liberal thinkers, reviled by conservative ones." -Alexander Hamilton > What's your preferred HO scale coupler? Here's the latest poll results: Kadee Magne-Matic: 74% Accurail Accumate: 11% Sergent Engineering: 5% X2F (horn hook): 2% McHenry: 1% Other: 2% ____ Mark Mathu The Green Bay Route: http://www.greenbayroute.com/ |
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