Let's get BLI to release their couplers

[Mark5]

OK, this is a BLI product, so I put this thread in the product forum ... 

I was inspired by Bryan Bussey's post in another thread:

BLI is considering releasing their 1015/Accu-Mate hybrid as a separate item.  It solves all problems if they ever do, so it's best to lobby them so that they know there is a market for the product. 

As I understand it (I've yet to disassemble the BLI couplers), these give a MTL appearance without the slink (correct me where applicable).

Here's a link to the BLI contact page:

http://www.broadway-limited.com/contact-us.aspx

I just let them know I'd like them to sell them separately.

If you feel the same way, please let them know!

Mark

[bbussey]

I've done my part. The more people who contact them to let them know that the couplers are desired, the greater the chance that they will make them available as a stock item.

[wcfn100]

Lobby for finer wheel tread too in case they ever make anything I can use.   

Jason

[Philip H]

I've added my two cents. Now lets see if we can get DKS house finished for him so he can get back to his coupler release.

[victor miranda]

is a picture of the coupler possible?

looks good and solves problems sounds like a good idea.

I like the mchenrys except the size...

victor

[bbussey]

As I understand it (I've yet to disassemble the BLI couplers), these give a MTL appearance without the slink (correct me where applicable).

To clarify — the coupler knuckle/thumb/trip-pin are exactly the same as the MTL 1015, while the internal portions match the Accu-Rail internals.  Thus, MTL-action without the need for the copper spring (or the centering nubs).  The purists still will want a smaller coupler mass.  But this is a 21st century update to the classic MTL design, is less costly to produce and assemble, and is an evolution that MTL could have done at least a decade ago to guarantee a new set of patents.  The design easily could be adapted for the 200x offset-shank series as well as the truck-mounted couplers.

[bbussey]

is a picture of the coupler possible?

This is a quick pic I took a couple of months ago.  I managed to squeak a couple pair out of BLI but they don't have any quantity on hand.

[jagged ben]

I sent them a note, too.

It occurred to me just in time to specify that I had an N-scale coupler in mind.  Probably a real good idea to make sure they know exactly what you're talking about.  I described it as 'the one that can replace Accumates or McHenry but looks more like Micro-Trains.'  (Is there a better way to describe it?) 

[crrcoal]

Just to confirm; these will get rid of the slinky effect? If so I will lobby them also! Thanks!

[glakedylan]

have left request at the URL provided
thanks
let's all contact them
the more the better
sincerely--
Gary

[peteski]

While these look promising, are they molded with the same precison and using quality materials like the original MT couplers?

I have examined and tried several clone knuckle couplers and they were not up to the MT quality standards.  Especially the magnetic uncoupling feature.  Every little burr in the mold or flash will prevent smooth operation.  I also realize that many modelers manually uncouple their cars, but it would still be nice if magnetic uncoupling worked smoothly.

[garethashenden]

While these look promising, are they molded with the same precison and using quality materials like the original MT couplers?

I have examined and tried several clone knuckle couplers and they were not up to the MT quality standards.  Especially the magnetic uncoupling feature.  Every little burr in the mold or flash will prevent smooth operation.  I also realize that many modelers manually uncouple their cars, but it would still be nice if magnetic uncoupling worked smoothly.

I haven't been impressed with the ones on my 4 bay hoppers. They're much stiffer than MTL couplers. I haven't tried uncoupling them, but they are a bit hard to couple up.

[peteski]

I haven't been impressed with the ones on my 4 bay hoppers. They're much stiffer than MTL couplers. I haven't tried uncoupling them, but they are a bit hard to couple up.

That's what I was afraid of. I'll take smooth-coupling/uncoupling slinkies over slink-free stiff couplers which are hard to couple and uncouple.

[jmlaboda - RIP]

The purists still will want a smaller coupler mass.

Yah... I'm still waiting on the new Z couplers that were said to be coming... 

[Frank Amato]

Oh man 

Bring on the ProtoMate!

  Frank