Magnet NEM 355 couplers

[nickelplate759]

A lot of European models use NEM 355 standard coupler pockets, and a variety of different couplers fit those pockets, including the old Rapido coupler, various European protoypes, and even knuckle couplers (from Dapol).

Arnold has apparently announced a magnetic (!) coupler for this pocket.  Not prototypical in appearance, but uses magnets to couple, which is certainly easy, and definitely won't "slinky".

Here's a listing from DM Toys:

https://www.dm-toys.de/en/product-details/Arnold_HC8063.html

[TW877]

They have been around for quite a while already. Arnold is the first "large" brand manufacturer that is selling them. If you want to count your wooden Brio toys, then they have been around for decades 

Several small vendors offer a variety of couplers, including some with electric conductivity. I have used these here http://peho-kkk.de/mshop/index.php/spur-n/magnetkupplung-stromfuehrend-2-pole.html in my ICE trainset. Connecting the pick-up points on a trainset can really improve the reliability, no more stalling or flickering lights.

Chris

[nickelplate759]

Does anyone offer adapters that would make it easy to mount NEM 355 couplers on US-style N scale models?

[robert3985]

Does anyone offer adapters that would make it easy to mount NEM 355 couplers on US-style N scale models?

Just for curiosity's sake, why would anybody want to do that?

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[bigdawgks]

Does anyone offer adapters that would make it easy to mount NEM 355 couplers on US-style N scale models?

Dapol makes stand alone NEM pockets that you can mount to whatever you like.

[nickelplate759]

Just for curiosity's sake, why would anybody want to do that?

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

to make it easier to model something like this, for example:


That's an Electrotren Talgo with a Kato F40

[robert3985]

to make it easier to model something like this, for example:


That's an Electrotren Talgo with a Kato F40

Why does it make it easier?

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[nickelplate759]

Why does it make it easier?

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

Good question.  Mounting a US style knuckle on the Talgo is hard.  I was hoping for an easy way to mount a Rapido on the F40, but that could be easily undone.   

Maybe it isn't easier.

[Doug G.]

The so-called MT "slinky effect" doesn't bother me one bit and hasn't for 58 years,

Doug

[x600]

I was looking at the broken coupler on the end car of the set I have and I wouldn't even attempt to try and fix it,
good thing it's sold.
You could always get one of the old Model Power F40 with the Rapido Couplers as standard equipment.
Of course that would bring on a whole new set of issues, wouldn't it?
Question about the cars, George. The cars have that long "appendage" poking out, some were curled and some looked like
they were straight and "impaled" the next car. What's right? Again, not my train.

There was a time when I would have loved to have one, as they were pretty cool to see back when they were new and I had a chance to see them fly by.

Greg O.

[peteski]

Dapol makes stand alone NEM pockets that you can mount to whatever you like.

Dapol also used to make a knuckle-type coupler with the shank which snaps into the NEM 355 pocket. Sort of reverse what you are asking George, but if the Talgo set has those NEM 355 pockets, you could convert it to a knuckle. Not sure if Dapol still has those available.

[bigdawgks]

Dapol also used to make a knuckle-type coupler with the shank which snaps into the NEM 355 pocket. Sort of reverse what you are asking George, but if the Talgo set has those NEM 355 pockets, you could convert it to a knuckle. Not sure if Dapol still has those available.

He did mention those already in his opening post, so I assume he's aware.

[nickelplate759]

Yeah, I'm aware.  If I could get a pair without paying >$30 in shipping and import fees I'd try that.   It looks like the in-service coupler height is significantly lower than US standard though.   Anyone tried this yet?

[nickelplate759]

I was looking at the broken coupler on the end car of the set I have and I wouldn't even attempt to try and fix it,
good thing it's sold.
You could always get one of the old Model Power F40 with the Rapido Couplers as standard equipment.
Of course that would bring on a whole new set of issues, wouldn't it?
Question about the cars, George. The cars have that long "appendage" poking out, some were curled and some looked like
they were straight and "impaled" the next car. What's right? Again, not my train.

There was a time when I would have loved to have one, as they were pretty cool to see back when they were new and I had a chance to see them fly by.

Greg O.

That appendage is a plastic spring that helps keep the wheelsets appropriately lined up.  It should be straight on both ends.    The same spring is used in current production Talgo models from Arnold, so if spares are needed they should be obtainable.