An N-Possible journal

[Sokramiketes]

Welcome to the land of modelers who don't like clown nose couplers, Kerbs.   

[dkerber123]

Yessir! I’m really liking them so far!

[ednadolski]

Great work on the conversions, everyone.   I probably missed it but I'll ask anyway -- does anyone have a close-up video of these latest-and-greatest in operation, that is, coupling & uncoupling (w/pick)?   Maybe something line this (an oldie that I made w/some pre-prod parts): 

 (yes, driven by a model loco not by hand)

TIA,
Ed

[Sokramiketes]

Dressing up an old LBF boxcar because I needed a blue car for the Circus City graffitti decals.  Scalebox Mediums. 

On the other upgrades: Tangent trucks and .015" styrene shims on the bolsters.  sar spec drag spring (2/3 MTL coupler spring) on one axle. 2-56 truck screws with PTFE tubing shoulders for adjusting side to side slop out of the bolster holes.  Added a 1/8oz of weight. 

I'm 60+ modern freight cars into this consistent spec and am happy with where things are at reliability wise.  Performance is rock solid on the Modutrak layout. 

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[Sokramiketes]

Before and after. 

Those things really are big red clown noses...

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[turbowhiz]

Great work on the conversions, everyone.   I probably missed it but I'll ask anyway -- does anyone have a close-up video of these latest-and-greatest in operation, that is, coupling & uncoupling (w/pick)?   Maybe something line this (an oldie that I made w/some pre-prod parts): 

 (yes, driven by a model loco not by hand)

TIA,
Ed

I whipped up a couple, using the preferred titanium toothpick tool.

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[James Costello]

Any updates @turbowhiz on the timeline for the release of the new styles? Thanks!

[dkerber123]

Any updates @turbowhiz on the timeline for the release of the new styles? Thanks!

I’m eagerly awaiting them myself!

[Mark5]

I'm 60+ modern freight cars into this consistent spec and am happy with where things are at reliability wise.  Performance is rock solid on the Modutrak layout. 

Excellent feedback - this is the kind of info I've been watching for. 

[dkerber123]

I’ve been working on RC centerbeams using SBX mediums and BLMA 100 ton trucks. I modified the bottom metal to move the bolsters out toward the car ends where most are (they also seem to run better). The ride height is lowered quite a bit and may just match right up to the Rapidos once 36” wheels are installed. I can’t test this theory yet, my wheels for these are still in transit.

When I get to the required post count here to post pics, I’ll add some photos to show the process and the results.

[Iain]

@turbowhiz would it be possible to get a reference drawing for if I wanted to include the coupler pocket in the design of a 3D printed model?

[ednadolski]

I whipped up a couple, using the preferred titanium toothpick tool.

Thanks @turbowhiz!  So the critical part is to get the tip right into that "uncoupling spot" between the 'toe' of one coupler and the 'pocket' of the other (maybe there are better words for those areas?):




Interesting too, that you don't need to run-in the slack.  (that's needed with Sergent-like couplers)


BTW - what do you use to paint/color those couplers?  That makes it a whole lot easier to see.

Ed

[Sokramiketes]

Let me try describing it this way...

If you jam the uncoupling pick in the back of the opening, what you end up doing is pressing the two knuckles more tightly together.  It won't pop that way.

If you put it to the side of the opening, it will kick the knuckles apart and away. 

[cbroughton67]

@turbowhiz Will these be available in bulk packs at some point?


Thanks,
Chris

[Jimbo]

Thanks @turbowhiz!  So the critical part is to get the tip right into that "uncoupling spot" between the 'toe' of one coupler and the 'pocket' of the other

Ed,

Your comment was a GAME-CHANGER for me!  I’ve been having inconsistent results trying to uncouple; after reading your description, I’ve been able to reliably uncouple each and every time!

I’ve also learned that if I come in at an angle, it’s easier to hit the “sweet spot”… and cars are less likely to derail.

Thank you for posting this finding!

Jim