Coupling chains

Discussion of Rolling Stock related topics should go here
Post Reply
User avatar
BorisSpencer
Fireman
Fireman
Posts: 251
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2018 2:36 pm
Location: East Northants

Coupling chains

Post by BorisSpencer » Fri Jul 20, 2018 1:25 pm

I seem to go through three link chains and coupling pins at a faster rate than gas and water!

Pins I simply make from the copper core of 2.5mm twin and earth, but I've been buying chains from the likes of NPW.

However the other day I found this Silver chain at £2.19 for 2 metres.

The only, albeit slight, problem is that it's tarnish resistant and I haven't been able to blacken it at all. I've tried vinegar and wire wool, and salt water.

I post this as it may be of interest to others, and that someone may have a suggestion for taking the shine off.

User avatar
tom_tom_go
Driver
Driver
Posts: 4824
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:08 am
Location: Kent, UK
Contact:

Re: Coupling chains.

Post by tom_tom_go » Fri Jul 20, 2018 1:30 pm

Try heating it up or pulling it through sandpaper and chemically blacken it or leaving outside to rust.

Another way although you do at your own risk is heating up the chain and then dunking in used engine oil (rinse and repeat a few times). Again, at your own risk!

You could also use brass chain which is easier to chemically blacken.

User avatar
Peter Butler
Driver
Driver
Posts: 5219
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:33 pm
Location: West Wales

Re: Coupling chains

Post by Peter Butler » Fri Jul 20, 2018 2:12 pm

If you have a branch of 'Charlies' warehouse stores near you (also on line) they sell cut lengths of chain of suitable size which appears to be steel so will tarnish if left outdoors. Possibly 'Wilkinsons' or 'B&Q' have it in coils which can be bought in desired lengths?
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?

User avatar
Sleeper Agent
Cleaner
Cleaner
Posts: 51
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2017 7:49 pm
Location: Llanfihangel-Talyllyn

Re: Coupling chains

Post by Sleeper Agent » Fri Jul 20, 2018 5:31 pm

Would some type of paint stripper be strong enough to start off the braking down process? Regarding breakages i've not had a problem yet but in fairness haven't exactly had much linked up at a time. Can't take the credit for the idea but what I do now is rather than bend my own or cut one link up in order to thread it through the draw bar is to cut four chain links off the main coil (or whatever length you have bought from your builders merchant, B&Q etc) and then throw the extra link away. After that file/mini disk down the outer face of either end of the remaining three link chain and then persuade it into the hook casting recess. If there is no recess, just a hole then you'll have to make a little incision in order to reach down to said hole. The trick is to take a little off at a time until a bit of oomph is sufficient to make the two join, as you don't want too much slack. Once the chain is in rotate the top link so that it has 180ed and then the filed down face is both hidden by the middle chain and the now high end of the link is secure within the hook recess and hey presto durable chain :)Image

Finding the right sized chain for whatever scale is usually the bigger issue but you can elongate the links before doing the above via sturdy gripper pliers. A little fiddly as they like to wriggle when being pressed but doing this makes the chain look less like it's come from your bath and it gives you that little extra length between buffered up stock, particularly handy around tighter corners.

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests