Couplings

[ge_rik]

On refelection, I've decided delayed uncoupling is actually an unnecessary complication, particularly if I used magnets for uncoupling. I'd have to use an electromagnet or a permanent magnet on a movable platform so it would only uncouple the required wagons.

I reckon I could get away with steel droppers on my 'ordinary' couplings and then place permanent magnets at relevant places in my sidings. The attractive power required to release the coupling is far less for the non delay coupling than the delay versions. As with Triang tension locks, I could pull the couplings over the magnets without them uncoupling and then release the tension over the magnet on the coupling needing to be uncoupled.

Sounds like I've just committed myself to a bit more experimentation.....

Rik

[tom_tom_go]

If you are going to play about with tension lock couplers you could use an uncoupling ramp?



I did this for a while but then got the magnets working the way I wanted.

[GTB]

It would be relatively easy to modify my hooks so they operated as per Triang tension-locks. I'm trying to visualise how the ring you mention operates. Any chance of a sketch?

Hi Rik,

Sorry it took so long to reply. The annual AMRA model railway show was on over the weekend and I was otherwise occupied. I still can't find the article I was looking for, so you are stuck with one of my Etch-a-Sketch drawings........

Tri-ang delayed coupler.jpg (73.51 KiB) Viewed 3281 times

(1) is the type of hook used by Tri-ang in the '60s. The Mk.III 'Tension Lock', so beloved of 4mm scale modellers.
(2) shows the hook drilled, the wire ring fitted and the back of the hook cut back at an angle. Which must have been fun with the coupler riveted in place on the model........
(3) shows the position of the ring when the couplers are pushed together away from a ramp.
(4) shows the hook in position if the couplers are pushed together with the hooks raised by a ramp. When pushed into position then the loco reversed away, the ring allows the hook to ride ove the loop. Cutting the back of the hook at an angle is important, otherwise it will snag.
(5) shows another Tri-ang coupler mod that allows a sprung wire to be used for uncoupling, instead of a ramp. The wire is a lot less visible, improving cosmetic track appearance, but harder to see for actual operation.

It might give you some ideas. I can't see how it would work with LGB inverted style hooks, as the ring that allows delayed uncoupling relies on gravity to operate.

Regards,
Graeme

[ge_rik]

Thanks Graeme. It does mirror what I had in mind for my LGB replacements - a hinged flap which lies against the hook which is pushed up by the bar when coupling and drops back. Is lifted by the bar when uncoupling and drops back to cover the hook to prevent recoupling. It could work by gravity but would have to be very carefully designed and manufactured - which would make my simple bodged system more complicated than my skills and workshop permit.

Delay coupling.jpg (262.87 KiB) Viewed 3267 times

.
Rik

[Harris0169]

Here is something I saved from the ngrail forum which possibly doesn't exist now? It's by the make of Portpyn.

Here's some extracts of text... I hope Christopher doesn't mind me posting this...The advanced uncoupling article used hooks at both ends...

I have just posted to the "Files" section the relevant drawings. These
were part of my article on the subject published in British Railway
Modelling, April 1995, and are I imagine self explanatory.

The original idea for this type of modification was not mine. I found
it in an ancient copy of RM -

D. R. Mensford: "Advance Uncoupling", RM, March 1969

- and decided to make it single ended (no reverse loops or turntables)
so that each item of rolling stock had only the hook and delay latch
on one end and the modified bar on the other. Whether D. R. Mensford
actually used the system I do not know, and have never seen any other
reference to it or am I aware of its use by others.

Couplings are, I think, a matter of personal choice depending on how
much you want appearance or performance. Being an avowed opponent of
the intrusive "hand of God" style of operation I think performance is
the prevailing criterion. I have found the modified tension locks to
have various advantages as follows.

1. Uncoupling can be achieved by simple sprung ramps as sold by Hornby
or Peco. I prefer the latter. Such ramps can also be easily made from
springy plastic such as is often used in a variety of types of
packaging of household goods.

2. It is fairly robust and experience shows it can stand up to the
rigours of being transported to and from exhibitions.

3. I tend to build most of my rolling stock (and for that matter
locomotives) on cheap (and often second hand) Hornby chassis on which
the coupling comes at the correct height for operation and so as to
speak "for free". Hornby products (new and second hand) are widely
available here in the UK.

4. My stock is freelance inspired by UK or continental European
prototypes, and I imagine it to be fitted with one of the variants of
the "Norwegian chopper" centre buffer and coupling. The Hornby type is
vaguely reminiscent of this style.

5. In operation the modified tension lock functions very much like a
Kadee – stop over the ramp, disengage, pull away by say 10mm, reverse
to push decoupled wagon as far as required.

In all now I have been using modified tension locks for well over a
decade on my exhibition layouts ("St Pierre et la rue Perrin" 1:34e
and "Sutton Wharf" 1:25) with continuing success. I won't claim that
the system is 100%, but it is close to it.


Best wishes

Christopher Payne UK

portpyn coupling.jpg (399.22 KiB) Viewed 3169 times

[ge_rik]

Interesting. Another variation which seems similar to my idea for the LGB style hook and loop but maybe a little more sophisticated. He seems to have overcome the problem I was encountering with the couplings re-engaging if the wagons pulled apart too much at the uncoupling stage - I assume the extra bend on the latch helps with that.

Rik

[tom_tom_go]

I like the fact this allows you to push rolling stock into position after uncoupling just like the magnetic Kadee system.

If I still had OO scale stuff I would try it.