Body mount couplers, what's the big deal?

[C855B]

[guffaw!] 

Heckuva how-de-do, Glenn. (And welcome to the asylum.) You give me pause about my heretofore secret notion that I'm going to show-up in Belleville with a module done in Code 55, since, believe it or not, it's acceptable in N-Trak.

We've never discussed it, but just for the record my preference is body-mount. I started body-mounting couplers in 1968, right after Kadees hit the shelves. But I've never dragged out my old stuff for the club sessions, just the newest. Converting the new which otherwise runs well has been a low priority, sort of like you say, but nonetheless it is in the overall game plan. That's going to be the ticket in the long-off future on the new layout, when, maybe, I have to back the ore train uphill.

BTW, didn't you notice I've converted all the ore cars and the PFE train to FVM wheels? Flanges just aren't a big deal any more unless you're running older steam. THEN it's a royal PITA, by golly.

(Guys, I invited Glenn over here last week... but don't drag out Lee's pillory just yet.  )

[eja]

Gosh robert3985  ...

I wish everyone could run 24 inch radii... Glad it works for you, but those of us with a more limited space have a different view on this topic

[robert3985]

Gosh robert3985  ...

I wish everyone could run 24 inch radii... Glad it works for you, but those of us with a more limited space have a different view on this topic

Ya missed the point.  The point is, if you don't have room to run big minimum radii, which will accommodate your long cars and big engines without derailments and extended coupler pockets pulling wheels off the track, then plan on running something that will work reliably on your  much smaller radii...just like the prototypes do, ie shorter engines and cars.

So, what's the "different" point of view of those of you who have limited space?  To run big engines and long cars on teeny radii anyway?  Okay.  But just expect them (minimally) to not look prototypical, and (maximally) to not run reliably (if at all) depending on how teeny your min. radius is. 

But, who knows?  Maybe that's fun for you.  Who am I to say what should be fun or not fun?

One kind of model railroad fun for ME is to see my trains running reliably and smoothly through my trackwork.  But, that may not be fun for you.

Cheers!
Bob Gilmore

[robert3985]

However, in the long view, body mounting couplers is a pain in the butt, turning down wheel flanges is a pain in the butt, code 55 track is a pain in the butt, and speed matching decoders is a pain in the butt.  Geez, it's as if all you folks already have all your scenery applied and your buildings built.  The answer to the original question , "Should I body mount my couplers?" is "Not unless you have anything better to do."

Wow!  Your butt must be very sensitive!  I suppose I could extrapolate from your statement using the same logic train (haha) and say that ALL model railroading is a pain in the butt because you have to actually DO something to participate in the hobby.  Also, in the "long view" it's only a great hobby if you have time to come in from the veldt with your freshly killed warthog and are able to devote a bit of time to it...which answers the question "Should I be a model railroader?" with the answer "Not unless you have anything better to do."

I prefer the philosophy: "Nothing really exceptional was ever accomplished easily."  Exceptional models (of anything) take time and effort, and in my experience, exceptional model railroading takes time and effort too...LOTS of time and effort.

Some of us enjoy that.  Some of us don't. Sorry many of the just mediocre things are such pains in your sensitive butt.  As for me, my butt must be numb.

Or maybe...it's sitting on my head!

Cheers!
Bob Gilmore

[Brakie]

Body mounted couplers on 9 3/4 curves shouldn't be a issue at all..

Lessons taken from the HO guys will teach you that sharp curves(18" in HO 9 3/4 in  N) calls for 40-50' cars four and short 6 axle locomotives(SD7/9,RSD4/5 RSD12).

A solid rule of thumb is buy equipment that will work on your small curves.

[rschaffter]

Body mounted couplers on 9 3/4 curves shouldn't be a issue at all..

40 and 50 foot cars with Body Mounts worked fine on the  9 'curves of my old college layout.  Here are a couple of Bowser GLa hoppers with bodymounts on a 7" test curve, where they would self-couple without issue.  They would stay coupled on even tighter curves; I got it down under 5" radius, IIRC..

[Brakie]

7" test curve!!

That's sharp!

Thanks for sharing that test result..

[John]

This is one of those religious topics .. please make sure we keep it civil ..

[rschaffter]

7" test curve!!

That's sharp!

Thanks for sharing that test result..

Keep in mind that GLas are only 32 footers.  9" was really pushing it for 50' cars as some would have the flanges touch the coupler box depending on what style coupler was used....