Hi Guys
QUOTE (upnick @ 30 Apr 2009, 00:19)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Why is it deemed neccessary to release a conversion kit disassembling the loco to fit new couplings with a new chassis rather than a way to fit them to existing ones ?
The coupler is listed as working is this fully working without the ''hand of god'' intervening
It would be nice to see a coupler for British stock without the need for an electrical uncoupler or similar used in the past, and would make a refreshing change for N scale modellers.
Ahh, the 'Holy Grail' of British N-gaugers everywhere, a descrete, properly functioning coupler, although I've only seen individual DCC efforts (one in 2mm scale
)where uncoupling could be effected without a conventional electronic uncoupler. I think the deal with Tomix happened after the original Voyager release so at least Dapol 'did the decent thing' and went to the trouble of making this a promise when they saw a need for it. It seems to me from both the announcement and the conversion instructions that it hasn't been an easy option to pursue.
There was an obscure reference in an NGS management committee meeting report last December (I think, working from memory here
) that they were not now looking at a new coupling as a manufacturer was working on something - nothing more than that, and no news since I'm afraid.
One manufacturer did trial a clear plastic Rapido type on my suggestion but decided against going ahead with them, I purchased the very small quantity they produced and I plan to use them on a fixed rake of private owner wagons when I have my layout up and running
They have the same problems as that big black lumpy Rapido between wagons has in operational terms, but 'clearly' not so visually clumsy I feel.
QUOTE (Edwin @ 30 Apr 2009, 08:17)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>I'm guessing this is the Tomix Scharfenberg - I bought some a couple of years back but haven't found a use for them. If it's the one I'm thinking of then not only does it not work automatically but you need a fair pull to separate them, probably by lifting both coaches off the track. On the upside it's unlikely to uncouple of its own accord.
It has indeed come about as part of the deal they have with Tomix, I've not had any experience myself with these but as with my comments above it does have some merit above the positive ones you've referred to, and again, when my layout is operational I'm tempted to go for these as they at least look the part.
I did notice Dapol's comment that they were not supplying the couplings on their own, as well as their claim to be testing the ones they send out in the conversion packs
Anyway, I'd be interested if anyone were to post their experiences in fitting these to their Voyagers for multiple-working
Regards, Gerry.
