New NEM couplings at Chadwick Model Railway | 67.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2019
- A 3D print solution for NEM couplings
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Hi Charlie, been viewing your videos for sometime now and I must say I get great enjoyment from the info from the many aspects of railway modelling that you cover, so many thanks for your devotion and dedication. I will always look forward to more of your vids as I am at last building my own 00 gauge layout having retired a couple of years ago. I am modelling diesel era 1970/1980 as I worked for B R in the early seventies on the footplate as a Drivers Assistant or more commonly known as "Second Man" formerly the old fireman and drove many of the Locos that we model including the iconic Class 55 Deltic. A position now defunct as everything now is single manned ! I watched your vids on couplings as I need to do much converting to some used rolling stock I purchased and found your coverage most informing, thanks for that. I would like to put in a small correction on your pronunciation on the three link coupling ---- INSTANTER
not INTANTER. I had the great pleasure of trying to shoulder these couplings when in between two Locos , very heavy and equally as greasy.
I could go on forever but I'll leave you with my thanks again Charlie and looking forward to the next vid.
Thanks Colin, what a heartwarming and informative comment. Regards Charlie.
Just a quick note on your brilliant video, Charlie, in case it's useful to know:
I work on a heritage railway in Bristol and the three couplings you mentioned are used for different purposes so:
1. Three-link couplings: Good for shunting wagons as they can easily be coupled and de-coupled using a coupling rod, meaning you don't have to put wagon brakes on to couple up and you don't have to go into the buffer zone to uncouple. The downside is that the wagons are loosely connected so any sudden changes in speed means that your train will suddenly change length and potentially damage the buffer gear or cargo as the wagons all either separate or bunch up together.
2. Instantor couplings: These couplings are used for trains which very rarely get split, they're a pain to get coupled or uncoupled because you have to squeeze the buffers using the loco and the wagon's brakes, lift the instantor and then take the chain off, or reverse for coupling. We tend to use them on coaching stock because they avoid the clattering and bumping of three-link chains and give everyone a smoother ride.
3. Screw link couplings: tend to be used for the loco and brake van couplings because they are strong, stable and have very high working haulage limits. The three-link couplings can snap if you stretch them, and the only part of the train guaranteed to take the full weight is the loco and brake van. They also limit damage to the buffer gear from braking causing the full weight of the train to slam into the loco because the train will be pulled tight against the draw and buffer gear. Essentially a screw link is a way of replacing an instantor for a draw gear which is likely to constantly be coupled and uncoupled but with a better design for weight as all the force acts in a straight line through the coupling.
Hope that helps :-)
That’s great, many thanks.
I’ve also heard that the screw links were for braked stock.
Brilliant! Thanks! You have a very good "TV manner", and very well prepared and edited!
Thanks B42, you’re too kind.
Thank you, Charlie - a most useful & timely video!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Bill.
Very interesting video, I don't even have a train layout, just like watching over guys layouts. Always enjoy your videos, layout and camera work.
It’s great to have you onboard David.
Thanks, Charlie for the informative and interesting video on couplings and addressing issues of matching up couplers for use on our layouts. A very nice presentation. Dean from Minnesota USA
Thanks Dean, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Hadnt seen these before, though I print my own nem pockets as part of my 3d printed wagon designs. Always something new to look at.
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Amanda.
Wow, there's a change from the usual. Thank you so very much :-)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Drew.
Another excellent video Charlie.
Those couplings look very interesting.
I look forward to see how your tests with them work out.
Enjoy your break.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it but it’s work not a holiday!
Thanks for everything as always Charlie
I am defiantly getting these thanks to you
Please remember that as yet, they remain untested.
Hi Charlie,
That type of coupling you describe at 8:40 is actually very common on mainland Europe. Over here in Germany pretty much all cars that aren't Railcars use this type of coupling. And (i think) all of our neighbors use this system as well. We call it "Schraubenkupplung" - "Screw Coupling". But it is a horribly outdated system and should have been abolished years (decades) ago. Apparently the SBB is trying to change their national stock over to a version of the Scharfenberg Coupling, but i will only believe it once i see it.
Btw. Its kind of reassuring that you guys have the same problems that we have over here. Every manufacturer just has to make their own coupling design that of course often doesn't work interchangeably. Or they do connect just fine but is near impossible to separate them again.
Greetings from Germany!
Hi John, yes couplings are a nightmare but I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
I work for the Belgian railways, and I confirm that the screw coupling is the standard over here when a train is pulled/pushed by a locomotive. Motorized rolling stock have other couplings (like Atlas-Henricot, George-Fisher, in various styles for the elektric box, and Scharfenberg). The last two are fully automatic couplings, the Atlas-Henricot needs manual labor to (un-)couple the elektric and brake-hoses. In America they use a variation on the Atlas-Henricot for their rolling stock.
Because rolling stock for goods is used all over mainland Europe, heck most of the wagons aren't owned by railway operators, it wil cost alot of money for changing those screw couplings to other couplings.
Video’s like this are why I watch TH-cam thank you cheers Colin
It’s comments such as yours Colin, that make it worthwhile.
I would have commented on the block occupancy video, but I am not sure, if you follow that any longer. My question would be how your controlling software actually knows that a given block is unavailable. It would appear to me, that tad bit of information was skipped.
Thanks
Martin
I cant see the link for the 3D couplings?
Stephanie Marie Dearden the link is in the description click small arrow on top right cheers Colin
It's in the "Show More" tab. This might not be visable on a tablet.
Very informative, as always. I've just ordered some to try. Thanks from New Zealand
I think that they are definitely worth a try.
beautiful video charlie and wow just looked on the link and the nem pockets that are also up listed and im impressed nem pocket conversion would of saved alot of coupling work as well as those couplers you were using keep up the great work mate
Cheers Aaron
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Aaron.
As usual very informative and useful and I will have a look at them, And I agree with the other comments good quality video that is easy to watch. Cheers Kev
Thanks Kev, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
pleased you kept the drop in and reaction :-)
Thanks Mark, it’s too easy to over edit and try to appear faultless, whereas we are all human thankfully.
A small group of my friends and I model the Victorian Railways from 1880s to around the 1980s and we have scratch built most of our rolling stock. The VR ran a mix of both screw-link and 3 link couplings right up until the late 1960s, and since we try to replicate it the best we can, we fitted over sixty-ish freight wagons and just over 20 corridor carriages with 3 links. They are quite the hassle with unsteady hands but you can get into a rhythm of coupling and uncoupling (we use a small length of copper wire with a small hook on the end). We also have all our steam locomotives fitted with duel sergent/3 link couplers for use with kadees to other sergents and link fitted stock. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺
Thanks Brett. It must take some time to couple up a large rake.
Another info packed video Charlie , I didn't know so many types of couplings existed ... It's a steep learning curve this model train malarkey ... Enjoy the break . Graham .
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Graham.
What a great idea, will be ordering some of those, thanks Charlie!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Yes, I enjoyed the video. It is brilliant the way 3d printing has opened up the modelling potential for the hobby, that and laser cutting. I like watching modelling vids as even though I've been trying to complete layouts since the early 80's I have never been successful. I'm afraid I'm no good at building them. But I'm excellent at watching others. 👍 ☺
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Gary.
Completely agree regarding couplings and your thoughts. I still use tension lock couplings for now but mostly because I'm lazy in converting them. In the meantime my fleet of rolling stock expands making me even less wanting to convert the collection. It's something I need to do and your video on this subject was a wealth of information. Ill have to check this manufacture out as these couplings look great. Congrats on 15k subs as well. All the best Clint
Thanks Clint and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. 15 k, who would have thought it possible.
Yet another great video, Charlie. Keep them coming! The son of one of my friends produces these 3D printed parts. They are mainly aimed at American outline N.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Peter. 3D printing is surely the way ahead.
Thank you Charlie, for another comprehensive review & bringing these subjects into the light.
I’m fitting 3 link to goods wagons & some coaching stock, as I’ll hopefully keep them in fixed rakes. I have to say tho these couplings do look promising being prototypical, also.
Loco to train is always screw coupling ( 2 shackle is the norm), but SR steam had (3 shackle screw couplings.) just to be different.
The necessary 3 weeks working = some income to plough into your hobby & you keep a hunger going to get back to it & rest. So not all bad & I hope you enjoy your work as much as you obviously enjoy your hobby.
Thanks Dave, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Another great video. I wish all TH-cam model railroading videos were the same.
You’re too kind David.
Thanks Charlie another great informative video
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
This good to see how others work such problems, working in n scale I use micro trains couplers but plan on using there new true scale for consist that stay together all the time...I really appreciate you videos as they do interduse me to other ideas....thanks for sharing....Jack 😉
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it JO.
Well done Charlie, very informative again, thanks for the info and will see if available in N scale
Thanks WP
Don't feel bad, Charlie. In 1978 Red Skelton (Do an internet search on that name) received the Cecil B. DeMille award for outstanding contributions to entertainment. He got a standing ovation and was so excited he clutched the statuette so tightly he broke it on live TV in front of millions of people! I was one of the millions who saw him do it! Great video, as always. Looking forward to the next one!
You’re too kind Flyboy.
Great video Charlie, I have actually worked in the past with the link couplings with the spindle when I was a shunter but we could them screw couplings, for those that don't know, the loose end is hooked on to the wagon and then tightened via the spindle so that there is no longer enough slack available for it to be removed by accident.
Thanks for the explanation Mark.
When I worked for BR the INSTANTER was also known as the CONTINENTAL COUPLER , the loco screw coupler , the one with the tension bar in the middle was also used to couple up E P B stock by lowering the buckets and using the existing hooks underneath.
Great info, thanks ML.
Evening Charlie. Another great video as usual 👍🏻 It's a great start after many many years of tension coupling 😊 Hopefully one day soon they'll make them uncouple and then they'll be fantastic 😆 Have a good three weeks away but hurry back on you layout updates please 🤣🤣 Thanks Stevie 😎
Thanks Stevie, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Hi Charlie I have been a subscriber for about a year now and watched your back videos too great to see a new style of couplings available. Also great to see an unedited error at the beginning lol just goes to show mistakes and mishaps happen to us all. I sometimes wish that these all weren’t edited out of people’s channels, I only know of one channel who every so often puts on an outtakes video. All the best Alex,
Hi Alex, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the videos.
I do edit out the more serious errors and dreadfully bad language that can follow silly mistakes.
We are all human, thankfully!
hi Charlie, great video as usual, probably the best for explaining new ideas etc. Personally, I was in a club 40 years ago and Sprat and Winkle was the norm. but a pain if you only had a few items to put on a club layout. nowadays I have used the Bachmann short narrow NEM couplings and adjust the sockets to suit the height and spacing between wagons. I also use suitably bent staples glued to the droppers and concealed 10MM magnets as auto uncouplers. Works a treat!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Chris.
Thanks Charlie looks very interesting, I think I'll give them a go.
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting David. Regards Charlie
Subbed, belled and liked. As always to your very high standard and a most enjoyable watch
You’re just too kind Dave.
Many thanks for another well made and very informative video Charlie. Hope you enjoy your break (if that's what it is).
No Dave, it’s work. ☹️
@@ChadwickModelRailway Ah well, but as I know from experience, Being busy when you're self employed is a blessing (although it may not seem like it at the time!).
You’re right, it doesn’t seem like a blessing at all. ☹️
Actually, this is a VERY good solution to many problems- it is more prototypical to British and European trains than the Kadee couplers (unless it's an 2nd-gen multiple unit like a Class 415 or something, which did use automatic "buckeye" couplers), and it's good for people who keep the same rakes coupled together and thus need a rigid coupling, but can change it if they want since it isn't permanent. It might be better if it was slightly "beefier", but it still looks like a great alternative to tension locks and Kadees.
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting HG.
In a way I'm glad that if I ever start modeling I'll be setting mine in the US, our prototype couplers are knuckle type couplers
If only ours were too.
Hi Charlie, thanks for a very interesting video. You have certainly given me 'food for thought' in so much as you can have the best of both worlds and use these new couplers along with Kadee couplers depending on how you wish to create a rake of wagons or coaches. If you have a rake of rolling stock that is kept as a complete train then you would only require a Kadee at each end. I think they would be perfect for a rake of passenger coaches which are often kept as a complete train.Cheers Greg
Thanks Greg, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
I think it's a great idea. Painted up, they will also look the business too.
Too true Rolica.
Yeh, I like them Charlie. May have to try some out in the fullness of time.
Yes certainly worth a look.
Love the video content-- really individual pleasant and lots to see!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it James.
@0:54 Well, that's one in the eye for the InTheGoodOldDaysThings WereBuiltToLast Brigade! ;)
Very interesting to watch. I have to look into this on my stock but that's a long term project!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it RM
Once again, nice one Charlie. I had seen them before but I had forgotten all about them. However, I do like your presentation style still so I watched the video till the end. Once I start building my layout, I will give them a try because I have loads of rolling stock and a drawer full of unmade kits. It will be interesting to see if these couplings can be adapted to fit kits such as Ratio and Parkside Dundas rolling stock. As I said at the the beginning, another entertaining video. Thanks.
Thanks Kevin, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
The Instanter' coupling was patented in the 1890s. It was introduced across British metals in the very early 20th century.
In particular, the coupling was fitted to express goods vehicles. A screw coupling was required on coaches and attached vehicles. Should two coaches have only instanter couplings, an emergency screw link coupling was required, fitted over the hooks on the coupled vehicles.
What great detail MB.
Have you thought about cutting some in half and adding those tiny magnets from your hunt couplings video, Charlie? It might be fiddly, but might be easier and less expensive than using all the kadees.
But then I can't auto uncouple James.
Great info Charlie. I now wish I'd seen these to try out before I made my own from copper wire on a rake of 25 mgr HAA hopper wagons...🙄
Well they have yet to be tested under load but I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
I first saw those couplings appearing on NCB stock in the mid 1960s. As for model couplings, I have Hornby Dublo 3-rail stuff with what you call buckeye couplings and I could never understand how those Triang couplings ever caught on, so good to see them making a return.
To true Les.
Most of my school friends had HD model railways. My parents bought me a TriAng!!! Incidentally, Charlie, have you seen how David Hyde (Deresley layout) close couples his passenger stock?
No does he have a TH-cam channel?
Screw couplings are common on ferry wagons and pre-BR coaches from the LMS and GWR as they didn't use knuckle couplers on their coaches. There are other wagons that use the screw couplers, but you'll have to go and research for those; Paul Bartlett's website and Flickr are probably the best sources for information.
The instanter coupling is designed to have 2 settings open and closed. In the open setting it is no better than a standard 3-link coupler and allows easy coupling; in the closed setting as modelled it shortens the coupling reducing the gap between wagons. The screw coupling is set to its fullest length to allow ease of coupling and then screwed tight to eliminiate the gap between the buffers. The shorter couplings IIRC reduce the snatch when the train starts off, the screw coupling when correctly used reduces it to almost zero and the last vehicle moves almost at the same momemet as the loco (there is a slight delay due to the springs in the coupling system, but the delay is fractions of a second compared to the 3-link and instanter coupling).
Thanks Neil, I’ve also been told that the three link couplings were only used on unfitted rolling stock. Do you agree?
Chadwick Model Railway I can't say for certain that fitted wagons were never fitted with 3-link couplings, but I've never seen any evidence of this. Your footage at the 7:48 mark shows an LNER style brake van with a vacuum brake pipe and a 3-link coupling, a quick review of Paul Bartlett's website show no pictures of a vacuum braked or piped brake with a 3-link coupler only instanter or screw couplers. This suggests that either such a combination existed but was not captured on fil by Mr Bartlett, or the preservation society that owns the van has swapped the coupling. However, unfitted brake vans to BR Diagram 1/506 were fitted with 3-link coupler (there's a photograph on Mr Bartlett's website).
Hi Charlie, freight guards and shunters would find themselves hooking the much stronger, green coloured continental screw couplings on freightliner conflats onto the drawbar hook of locomotives to ensure no breakaways occurred. Myself I have, as you observed, slung plenty of loco screw link couplings onto coachig stock at Liverpool St before push-pull working came along and the secondman staff grade went west.
Also, what a fantastically well presented video. I'm so glad I subscribed, thank you.
Great info Malc and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
Hi Charlie, those new chain link coupling would be ideal for coaching stock. thanks for sharing...…...best wishes Tony
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Tony.
I wish that manufacturers offered "OO gauge" modellers NEM pocket couplers but of the "N gauge design type - horizontal knuckle arm style". The old original "OO" Hornby & PECO Wonderful Wagons had this type fitted & they never gave problems unlike the tension locks. I used to model in "N" & that type of coupling is much better than the old "OO" Tri-ang based design tension lock which since Tri-ang took over Hornby has sadly become the UK standard coupler. Great video as always!
Good point Pat and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
Another entertaining and informative video. Other channels need to look to you for guidance on how to present a watchable video.
You’re too kind GS, I’m starting to blush.
It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Still laughing at the wagon at the beginning! 🤣👍
So am I.
I just had to leave it in the video.
Im now in my 50s and I've been a grumpy old sod about this detail all my life ive still got analogue trains and know i need dcc lol but its taken forty years to get to these advances in model trains but i still feel these details arnt quite there yet . The kd couplers are great but ive got so darn many different couplers on my wagons its a joke these new ones will look great but its the pain uncoupling as you say . Great video bud
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting JD.
In the Preserved Victorian Railways, we mix the 3 link with the knuckle coupler but mainly on Steam locomotives
Thanks mate.
I've been running 3 link couplings on my layout since the 1980's. It just looks more authentic without a massive Triang tension lock or other monstrosity destroying the aesthetic of the scenario. I can also pack more into a siding plus loose and fly shunt too.
I use mainly Jackson 3 link and screw link, GEM 3 link and another brand for Instanter couplings.
I also have a few kit built and scratch built locos and wagons. 3 link couplings are far easier to install than Triang tension lock or NEM blocks. Also as some locos and stock have sprung buffers I want to see the damn things working!!
XP wagon stock generally had screw ling couplings. Things like horse boxes, parcel vans, XP rated brake vans, specialist heavy load wagons, coaches, etc. Slower rated rolling stock such as open, coal and mineral wagons have 3 link couplings, Instanter by BR days.
Thanks for the details Andy, much appreciated.
Very good video Charlie
Thanks Andrew.
very interesting - thanks
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Roger.
Nice charlie. They are called instanter couplings,
The screw couplings normally found on locos come in 2 types, there is the standard one and BR coupling which is a bit thinner.
You do get them on a lot of wagons these days, but you are usually supposed to use the loco’s coupling where possible anyway.
Thanks Eric.
Brawa offers similar (H0) NEM couplings for a while now, but it recommends to only use them on rolling-stock with "close coupling mechanism" do to the buffers almost touch. But most European H0 NEM socket stuff, all from the 90's up to today is "CCM" fitted, like : Roco, Piko, Feleisnhmann, Brawa, ect. I only use similar couplings on prewar trains and on old railcars, on the more modern ones I use the Roco universal, or it's close coupling, do to all locos has at least one of those (or both) in their accessory pack, and u can buy them in 20 and 50 packs.
Thanks Tom, great info.
Brawa 2250, price is about 8 Euros without VAT from Germany for a pack of 10, works out at about 68p per coupler. But they go straight from one NEM pocket to the other so are not in line with the coupling hooks on the buffer beam.
The old Hornby Dublo knuckle couplings on my stock...available damn sight cheaper than Kdees or these new ones which i do like but would cost a fortune to fit all my stock with, thanks for review and bringing them to my attention.
I’m so pleased that you found it useful Steve.
I found the link for the couplings, I ordered two sets 👍
So much for hanging on for my long term review. Good luck Steph.
No, I see you trying em out on your video, they are exactly what I have been looking for ages 🥰
I was wondering how it was possible to shunt individual wagons... Then you informed us that it wasn't! Thank you for the warning, Charlie.
Thanks mate.
Charlie, I equally band my freight and/or "Holiday" train sets. But for a different reason. With a rake of 3 or 4 cars it makes building a Car Card Ops. Session, with JMRI, a point and click dream.
Have a Jolly 3 week Holiday. SEE YA" DOWN THE LINE,
Jim
Thanks Jim and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
I’ll second that great comment ...superb vids ..... Fred
Thanks Fred.
A natural on screen. I drop my stuff too as I'm 60 !!!!!
Only to be young again.
Another great video, please keep us updated on how durable you find them.
I certainly will Chris.
Hello,
Thanks for this beatiful video and a great narration that I understand with ease (English is not my native language). Concerning these couples - it is a pity that they leave such a large distance between the wagons. But I think it's not a problem of couples themselves, but a problem of absence short coupling mechanics on the rolling stock.
Kadee is a great choice for rolling stock without buffers, such as american, russian, australian etc, where some sort of automatic couplings in reality is used.
Sincerely, Alexander
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Alex.
Many many thanks for your extremely informative and highly entertaining video series Charlie. Recently retired and returning to the boyhood hobby I can't believe that those nasty tension lock couplings are still around (let alone that the remain the Hornby / Bacmann / Dapol standard today). They are truly horrible and the cause of so many of my current woes - (nasty point accessory switched being the other)! Surely these days it wouldn't be too much to ask that the NEM socket height be standardised and rolling stock be made available without coupling??? Your namesake - Charlie.
Hi Charlie, sadly we still have to endure these dreadful couplings, exchanging them at our own expense!
As I’m in Australia, I’ll have to talk your word for the couplers
Would I lie to you Vince?
Well. If you did, I wouldn’t know any different
In Germany ALL wagons and locos have these spindle couplings
I'm so jealous Nik.
Have a good holiday. :)
Sadly, it’s work!
Couplings, especially cross-brand, seems to be an issue in many areas. Kaydee is the go-to, but nice to see a challenger with a cheaper offer. Great video as always. 👍
Thanks Anthony, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Charlie,
I must say this is another wonderful video. You present the material in such a coherent and pleasant way that your videos are always very enjoyable to watch. I look forward to each one. I am in the US and while my preference has always been the US railroads I can't help but be enamored by the British way of doing things. So you and a few of your TH-cam model train brethren have inspired me to seriously consider picking up a pre-war steamer or two and a few of those odd looking four wheel cars you pull around over there. That said, I am not steeped in the world of how the British railroads operate. Ideally, I should hop on a jet and visit the UK personally and see for myself. Until I am able, I was wondering if you might consider doing a video as sort of a primer or overview modeling British railroads, for those of us across the pond. Or at least provide point me in the direction of some sources of information. Thank you in advance. Keep the videos coming! Regards,
Jerry Simon
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Hi Jerry,
Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
For a broader look at British Railway modelling, take a look at “McKinley Railway”. The later videos should give you some background that you might find interesting.
Regards Charlie.
I must admit they do look authentic and as you say make a rake of four think i will give them a try it would be nice to get the print file then i could print many off at my leisure having my own printer looks like a good product i wonder what plastic they are using to print them with thou ,Anyway another great video from you Charlie all the best John from Rugby.
Thanks John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Are you making much for your railway with your 3D printer?
Hi Charlie, Richard from down under here! Just hooked up with your vids mate, fantastic stuff, working my back from newest to oldest! Feel your pain re couplers. In oz we adopted ladies over 40 years ago as they match what is in use over most of the prototype system. Ready to run manufactures fit them as standard, while kits have the pocket molded in place. Know you guys have a very different system, but given the years you have contributed to model railroading, it's appalling that something descent hasn't been standardised. Keep up the great work mate!
That sould read Kadees not ladies...stupid auto correct!
Hi Richard, thank you so much.
It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Regards Charlie
Thanks for this. I've often wondered how European rail modelers coped with their coupler systems. I would have never guessed that using KD knuckle couplers would be seen as a suitable alternative. Live and learn.
The home 3d printers often do not use the super-fine printing feedstock that the big commercial concerns do, which limits one's ability to print details at home (so far).
Those printed three-link couplers look the business, though. But, they might be a pain for Operations, unless, as you suggest, you have a four car lashup as the delivery for various Industries. Bears some thinking about.
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Couplings are still a nightmare.
Very interesting watching your 3 video's regarding couplings as like you I dislike the old Tension Lock type, but after watching your video I came across a magnetic coupling with a very small powerful magnet in the end of the NEM coupling, so with my design and printing skills lets have a go .. I have a design but I need to get some NEM pockets to test but the magnets are cheao and printing is nothing ...I will keep you posted if they work ... only problem is automatic un-coupling but can live with that ...
That’s great news John. Auto uncoupling is very useful for freight but not on passenger stock.
I think its a great idea. I will probably get a pack or two when I rebuild my layout for my wagons.
I’m so pleased that you found it useful NK
The Instanter was also known as a "Pear Link" to us Railway footplate staff.
Now that’s a new one, thanks mate.
Hello Charlie,
Another superb video. These coupling look like a great idea but I'll wait for your trials before I take the plunge.
I hope you don't mind me pointing out that 3 link couplings were used on unfitted stock and screw couplings were used on vacuum fitted stock or piped through stock.
I might contact the manufacturer to see if they plan to produce screw couplings.
Keep up the great work.
Regards,
Bob
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Bob. Stay tuned for the follow up in a couple of months time.
Interesting, I've been using kadees on my locos for a long time. Being a 'modern image' modeller I have the advantage of rakes containing mostly the same wagon type which allows me to get away with tension locks. I only have to worry about the locos and leading vehicle of each rake but it’s a problem I could do without. More recent products I've purchased do seem to take the height of a coupler more seriously.
The Instanter certainly looks much better than a tension lock. I'd be interested in how much abuse the 3D printed plastic can withstand. Cheers
Hi Richard,
I’m ordering some of the second, stronger version and will produce another video once they’ve been thoroughly tested.
Hopefully the Warley day was enjoyable, I’ve yet to catch up with Richard W.
Oh, have you subscribed yet?
@@ChadwickModelRailway I look forward to seeing the test. I have some vehicles that would benefit from them should they work.
Warley was fun and quite a challenge. I've never modelled under pressure before and there were a few moments when I thought we might not make it. Richard is producing a video of the event from our perspective which should be up in a few days.
Thanks for your message of encouragement on the day. I have indeed subscribed, cheers.
I've just looked at the intanter Charlie and decided to order the sample pack... £6.67 for pack the £7.28 delivery....... taking the proverbial !!!
That strikes me is a postal rip-off John, he should be ashamed of himself. Regards Charlie
My 1st post did not appear :-( I suggested that it would be nice if we could get NEM pocket couplers for "OO" of the knuckle type as used in "N" gauge. Much cheaper to manufacture than KD & as I used to model in "N", using stock from various companies, I never had problems with this type of coupler. They make it easy to lift off stock & easy to uncouple. As mentioned the "OO" standard of using tension locks only originated when Tri-ang took over Hornby c. 1965.
A good point Pat and you’re not the first to mention it.
Charlie, great video. Just one thing, they are inStanters NOT intanters. Three link and instances couplings were used in infitted stock. Fitted, (vacuum or air braked), need BR screw couplings. In the UK buckeye couplings were only used on coaching stock and extremely heavy bogie freight vehicles such as Foster Yeoman 's 102t hopper wagons.
Thanks Tony, I got tongue tied.
Couplings have bothered me for many years - the so very amateurish Hornby type needed an upgrade. Colin has made a big step for model-kind! Thank you!
You’re welcome.
Regards Charlie (not Colin)
I've not read all the comments so apologies if someone has said this, the coupling is instant-er, in other words it's a compromise between a three link and a screw link, as it tightens the space between wagons instantly, unlike the time taken to screw up or unscrew a screw link coupling, there are small horns on the real ones, and a good shunted could flip the link from one to the other very quickly.
Thanks Ted, great info. Regards Charlie
Interesting, could even be a step to easier fitting of loose three link couplings to NEM socketed stock so long as one doesn't mind the fact they fit below the buffer beam. Wouldn't suit me though as my layout is heavily biased to shunting, with a mix of Dublo, Peco, Triang Mk3 and numerous other tension lock types! Have you noticed how incompatible the many different tension lock types are? The droopy NEM socket is a curse too, can even stop the same manufactures wagons connecting and then staying connected, grrr. A thin paper shim in the dovetail connection fixes some. Liked your review, Jim :)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Jim.
So Bachmann who should know the exact height of a NEM coupler (as they also own Liliput) simply slaps a conversion kit under a wagon and puts it on the market without even checking it it couples with their own products?
You could use a Roco 40287 (adjustable head height adapter) to solve that, but that requires a Roco or Hornby short coupler on the other side...
Good points Ivo.
Let’s be honest, it’s just a farce that coupling standards are so poor.
Another great video Charlie. Very informative and I can say for sure you're not the last person to have come across these interesting alternatives.
On the subject of being poorly served by the 'industry' I've recently got back into model railways and although the detail of new items is phenomenal (as is the price) I feel a certain amount of contempt is shown to the consumer by some manufacturers e.g. poor instructions (especially with locomotive sound functions), poor data sheets/spare part detail, poor availability of spares, impracticable decoder space/socket position, inconsistent locomotive wiring practice, coupling heights (even - as you mention - intramanufacturer between different releases of the same item!) etc. I enjoy the hobby and the challenge of making things better is to some all part of it, however it is irritating - especially in the context of price increases - that on certain fronts there is a total lack of apparent care. This is made all the more surprising and, to be honest unacceptable, since many of the core deliverables - detailing, paint finish etc. - are top draw.
It seems that for a very small amount of extra effort manufacturers could make what is a great hobby into a superb hobby.
What a terrific response Paul.
I just hope that others read it.
I did consider getting the “big TH-camrs” together to reinforce our distain regarding the manufactures poor attention to modelling standards.
Charlie, I think that would be a good idea. I think yourself, Everard Junction, Dean Park, New Junction to name but a few do have a voice that is heard. Certainly between you and others there is already a rapport with certain retailers and manufacturers. On the whole things are good. It's such a shame that much of that which is bad is relatively trivial - that's what makes it particularly frustrating. I know if I had the choice of tooling, mass producing & painting a highly detailed scale model or writing out a parts list, some basic instructions, stating which third party sound chip was used in a locomotive & itemising its functions, I know which job I'd prefer!!
I will see what the others think.
I hope for a meet up at Warley in November and test the water.
Best of luck.
Paul Baker I agree with this. And it is an ‘international’ problem. US as well as German/Austrian manufacturers are equally poor in their documentation. It is a typical manufacturing/sales problem where all the effort is spent on the physical item and not enough on the documentation/guidance and service. Specifically with DCC, the problem is bad enough. Athern is trying to put more documentation and explanation with their locos recently. Now here is an interesting anecdote: some 4 years ago I spoke directly to the technical team at Roco. I speak fluent German and so I could get more info out of them. I asked them why their documentation on their z21 system, which is a brilliant system, was like non-existant. They answered me that they did this so not to antagonise the retail dealers as the retailers wanted to be the port of call for all explanation in technical matters. The retailers felt that ‘only advice given by them’ was safe enough and they did not want the manufacturer starting to put all kinds of explanations on their websites. How’s that for twisted logic? By accident this year, I stumbled across the Roco factory/offices in Austria. I expected a factory but when I saw how ‘small’ the place actually is and how few people are working there, i started to understand a lot better why all these annoying little things never get adressed.
If Lego can mass produce tiny chains for like 10 cents each, then it can be too hard to do the same thing with a NEM clip at the end. Props to these guys for trying it
Mind you, they certainly aren’t cheap
Thank you Charlie, that's an improvement is it not. I guess the Kadee is more proto typical for American Layouts or where Buck eyes are the norm.
If only buck eyes were universal, I live in hope.
Can't edit my posts for some reason. Anyway, the Goods and Not so Goods page goes on to say, 'The instanter was cheaper than a screw coupling and the goods yard shunter could use a long pole to flip the centre link instead of climbing between the vehicles to tighten the screw coupling (see Railway Company Goods Facilities - Introduction &Shunting Methods for a sketch showing this pole). Passenger shunters always had to deal with screw couplings, a dangerous occupation as they had to get onto the track between vehicles, and this was one of the reasons they received more pay.'
Great facts, many thanks.
Your videos are amazing!
In the near future, could we see the finished product of the viaduct section?
Thanks!
Yes Andrew but I’m still working on it!
Kadees are fantastic couplers, but are a bit pricey for sure. Some of the easiest couplers to uncouple.
They get my vote Evan.
Me again! I still have old 1960's catalogues one of which is a Tri-ang supplement after they had taken over Hornby. Included in this was a "converter wagon" (they never produced a coach version!!) which had the old Hornby knuckle coupler at one end & the Tri-ang tension lock at the other. PECO used to call their's "ANITA" type. Showing my old age it is useful to know that all couplings then were totally metal & the knuckle type were only about 1mm thick metal. Much cheaper than KADEE and didn't need magnets to uncouple merely plastic fittings between the rails (rather like check rails) which uncoupled the vehicles, coaches & wagons, very simply. Interesting your "HORNBY" wagons are shown with Tri-ang couplings so probably date from c. 1967-70? Have a good 3 weeks break:-)
My mistake Pat.
They were Tri-ang.
Agreed, Triang didn't do a coach converter, but they did do a horsebox converter van - not always appropriate, tho'!
I like the idea of them and I will watch with interest how you get on with them. The downside is you have to use two different types of couplings in order to be able to uncouple a single wagon. Maybe there is a way of doing that with these new coupling? My friend Andy has a 3D printer and has made some items for me. There is a 3D web site called "thingiverse " and you can download programs for free. I would also like to see how they react to going around tight radius curves. Thanks for making this video Charlie. I too watch TH-cam to try and keep up with new item and reviews. Martin (Thailand)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Martin, hopefully you have subscribed too.
I wonder if the BSI coupler has been made for the NEM pocket, it would be cool to have Sprinters and Pacers with their prototypical couplers, that actually work.
An interesting point AC
Is the BSI coupler also known as the Scharfenberg coupler? Hornby are due to produce some more of these in the new year. (HC8040)
Charlie, I've just re-watched this video as I'm getting to the point soon of setting up rakes of wagons. They will run as rakes, so this looks like an excellent idea. You say in the video that you will see how they run (break/pull apart/whatever). Have you managed to do that and if so what's your view after having used them for some months? many thanks.
Sorry Ricard but I haven't tested then enough to recommend them yet.