QUOTE (KODIAK BEAR @ 7 Jun 2007, 14:48)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>i have 00 scale stuff and was wondering, is it possible to put 3 link couplings on everything?
only ask as the normal hornby/bachmann etc etc couplings look crap (
) on my layout. it makes all coaches and wagons look miles apart from each other !
i have ROCO stuff too and they are all fitted with close couplings which make things look good !
But,the only downfall with hornby etc to Roco is that Roco put springs etc under the chassis which makes the coupling 'give' when entering a bend/curve but i wont be able to put that sort of thing on hornby stuff because they dont make them with any space under the chassis to fit such a thing.
does anyone else have different couplings ?
if so, what please ?
thanks all
Three link couplers require quite large radii for reliable operation, minimum 36", and ideally sprung buffers. Look good, offer the 'loose coupled' buffering up effect when used on traditional 4W unbraked wagons, but require patience and dexterity in coupling and uncoupling.
Buckeye couplers, of which the Kadee is probably best known, work extremely well and offer close coupling with minimal slop; and look realistic on models of buckeye coupled prototypes.
Both Hornby and Bachmann now make coaches with extending coupler mounts and NEM pockets so that you can remove the tension lock coupler that is standard in OO, and replace with the device of your choice. I can vouch for Hornby's 'close coupler' (R 8220, pack of 10 ,very similar to the Roco in appearance), which will work with these; ironically works best on Bachmann mk1's, keeping the corridor connectors in contact on straight track, but will still let them negotiate a set track point crossover.
Then there is the miniature version of the tension lock mounted in an NEM pocket, as found on Bachmann's 4W wagons. As supplied there is far too large a gap between wagons. Shorten the NEM pocket and the 'legs' of the coupler to place the bumper bar in the same plane as the buffer heads, and it is possible to have the wagons buffer up when pushed, and still able to be pushed around curves of 24" radius without buffer locking. That's been my 'cheap and dirty' route to more realistic looking loose coupled goods trains.
And that's just a few of the possibilities, others with different experience will doubtless describe further methods.