N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: petercharlesfagg on August 23, 2014, 06:19:41 PM

Title: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: petercharlesfagg on August 23, 2014, 06:19:41 PM
Friends,

I am confused again!

If I changed my couplings to make fixed rakes of rolling stock, which coupling would you suggest?

I am thinking using NEM pockets.

Peter.
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: DCCDave on August 23, 2014, 06:47:41 PM
Peter,

EtchedPixels of this parish provides some nice ones.

Examples here:

http://www.shapeways.com/model/656500/n-scale-nem-fixed-bar-couplings-3-5-5-7mm.html?materialId=25 (http://www.shapeways.com/model/656500/n-scale-nem-fixed-bar-couplings-3-5-5-7mm.html?materialId=25)

He has others on that site too.

Cheers
Dave
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: PostModN66 on August 23, 2014, 08:15:57 PM
I would use the Dapol "hooks" that come with Dapol wagons, or obtainable direct from their website.

FTAOD i am not talking about the Eazi-Shunt couplings, just the dumb hooks.

Cheers

Jon  :)
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: 4x2 on August 23, 2014, 08:48:59 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on August 23, 2014, 08:15:57 PM
I would use the Dapol "hooks" that come with Dapol wagons, or obtainable direct from their website.

FTAOD i am not talking about the Eazi-Shunt couplings, just the dumb hooks.

Cheers

Jon  :)
I'd second that, I've got loads if you need some....
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: Luke Piewalker on August 23, 2014, 10:47:12 PM
I suppose it depends how fixed you intend, a cassette based system where you were never going to have to detach them again would lend itself to the EP links, if you just mean fixed as in 'no coupling/uncoupling while in use' then I would look at the Dapol dummy knuckles.
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: Cooper on August 24, 2014, 01:52:04 AM
Quote from: 4x2 on August 23, 2014, 08:48:59 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on August 23, 2014, 08:15:57 PM
I would use the Dapol "hooks" that come with Dapol wagons, or obtainable direct from their website.

FTAOD i am not talking about the Eazi-Shunt couplings, just the dumb hooks.

Cheers

Jon  :)
I'd second that, I've got loads if you need some....

Yes please!  :D
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: petercharlesfagg on August 24, 2014, 10:07:56 AM
Quote from: PostModN66 on August 23, 2014, 08:15:57 PM
I would use the Dapol "hooks" that come with Dapol wagons, or obtainable direct from their website.

FTAOD i am not talking about the Eazi-Shunt couplings, just the dumb hooks.

Cheers

Jon  :)

Thankyou, I have no wish to be rude but what does FTAOD stand for?

Peter.
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: Caz on August 24, 2014, 10:11:28 AM
Quote from: petercharlesfagg on August 24, 2014, 10:07:56 AM
Quote from: PostModN66 on August 23, 2014, 08:15:57 PM
I would use the Dapol "hooks" that come with Dapol wagons, or obtainable direct from their website.

FTAOD i am not talking about the Eazi-Shunt couplings, just the dumb hooks.

Cheers

Jon  :)

Thankyou, I have no wish to be rude but what does FTAOD stand for?

Peter.

Ditto here Peter, no idea what it stands for so you are not alone.   :)
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: Sprintex on August 24, 2014, 10:24:16 AM
Took a while to work it out, but I think it probably stands for 'For The Avoidance Of Doubt' ?


Paul
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: PostModN66 on August 24, 2014, 10:46:06 AM
Quote from: Sprintex on August 24, 2014, 10:24:16 AM
Took a while to work it out, but I think it probably stands for 'For The Avoidance Of Doubt' ?

Well done Paul - you get the prize (a pair of Dapol Hooks!)

Cheers  Jon   :)
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: Dorsetmike on August 24, 2014, 11:11:43 AM
Being a cheapskate I use bits of bent paper clips, I have quite a few of the old Farish bogies made before the days of pockets, they have a hole into which the coupling fitted, for later ones I turn the bogie round and drill a hole in the other end.  As the SR ran their coaches in sets my coaches are coupled in sets which may be from 2 to 6 coaches. Outer ends have normal couplings.

I don't run freight in rakes, not really done in 1930s.
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: Dr Al on August 24, 2014, 11:31:22 AM
The question would be, why you feel the need to do this? Is there any benefit unless you are having uncoupling issues?

Cheers,
Alan
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: edwin_m on August 24, 2014, 04:58:18 PM
The "Dapol hooks" come in two lengths so can give three different spacings (short-short, short-long, long-long).  I found any of them was considerably closer than obtainable with Rapidos and the couplings are much less conspicuous too.  Also I had trouble with some long rakes coupled with Rapidos dividing - I think they worked up and down on baseboard joints until one lifted far enough to uncouple - but never had this with the Dapols.  An excellent product at a good price and it's just a shame there is no equivalent for non-NEM stock. 
Title: Re: Fixed rakes couplings?
Post by: NeMo on August 24, 2014, 05:25:44 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on August 23, 2014, 08:15:57 PM
I would use the Dapol "hooks" that come with Dapol wagons, or obtainable direct from their website.
I used the short-arm "hooks" (I think they are buckeye couplers) on my Farish Desiro. Replaced all the Rapido couplings on that unit. The result was closer coupling and something that looked a lot more like the real thing. They aren't as easy to couple up, but once connected work well. No problems at all with standard Kato radio unitrack.

Cheers, NeMo