[paul stapleton]

The coupling in the photo is the Alex Jackson. This is a very specialist "home made" coupling. I have never seen it used on "modern image" before. It is not really suitable for OO , it is more suited to S4 models. Unless you are very experienced or very good don't think of using them.

If you are modelling OO kadee couplings could be a good idea and many people use them - especially for diesel era models. If done properly kadee couplers are undoubtedly the best "off the shelf" couplers in the world. The problem is that most times I've seen OO layouts using kadees they have at best been done averagely and the user is not getting as good performance from them as he/she could if they had spent more time on them - the layout owners still ususally says that they are very pleased with them, but British modellers are very easily pleased because the standard British style coupler is so useless.

 

[paul stapleton]

Hello Rob

Firstly, from your qualifications with regards your job you are obviously good enough to make these couplings - no issue. So let's forget that issue. BTW I have had 50 years experience in the hobby and I am not good enough to consider using Jackson couplings on my stock.

Secondly, as Nick says the coupling relies on the vehicles being parallel to the track as the contact are between two mating couplers is so small. Therefore any tendency for a 4 wheel vehicle to be slewed will mean that those couplings will not make contact. Using the Jackson coupling does require precision. S4 wheel standards by definition allow less slop a wagon is far more likely to be "straight and parallel - I don't disagree with Nick, but I still think that S4 standards would be better suited to this coupling. The only layouts I have seen over the years that use Jackson couplings have tended to be S4 - I do not model in S4, I am not promoting S4, I am just saying that the relatively coarse standards used in OO make the job more difficult. Also it is important that the couplings stay well adjusted - it is not a case of "fire and forget" - it is a case of maintaining the couplings in tip top condition.

There are loads of couplings out there for 4mm modelling - and choice of couplings is a very personal one. Often it will depend on whether you are in involved in a group project or to what extent you mix with fellow modellers. If you model in isolation it doesn't matter if you use bent paper clips to join your vehicles as long it suits you. If you are going to work with your friend who uses Alex Jackson then that would be a great plus for you using it too.

Good luck!

Best regards

Paul

 

[paul stapleton]

Hello again

With regards the original query about using Alex Jackson couplings with OO and my concern about the natural slop in OO wheel standards causing the stock to not be parallel to the track- you could of course try staying with OO but slightly reducing the gauge to say 16.2mm. This may alleviate the problem.

This idea has been used in O gauge where some modellers use 31.5mm as opposed to 32mm. This is designed to give better running through points and I have heard of modellers doing the same in OO.

Now for those of you interested in Alex Jackson couplings and who use DCC - may I recommend that you look on youtube - seach for DCC AJ COUPLER - now that is incredibly impressive! Uncoupling Alex Jackson couplers in 4mm by using DCC and a servo inside the loco - amazing!

 

[paul stapleton]

Hello again

I am informed that the Scalefour society have recently published a book on the Alex Jackson coupling - its history and how to make it and use it.

Paul