Hello.
Do you know if there is a place where I could buy some hook couplers compatible with usual Rapido ones?
In other words, I am looking for couplers similar to those on Arnold's Köf II.
This is for a kit made of cardboard. The hook will be glued on a cardboard.
Thanks by advance for your help.
Looking at a picture of a Kof II I can't see how they'd be compatible with rapidos?
Union Mills models with front bogie have a hook coupler at the front. Might be worth giving Colin Heard, the owner a ring to see if they can be supplied as a spare. He is very helpful.
Martin
Quote from: njee20 on April 03, 2022, 08:27:26 AM
Looking at a picture of a Kof II I can't see how they'd be compatible with rapidos?
Yes they do work fine with Rapidos though you do have to uncouple manually using a lifting tool. As has been said some UM locos have had them on the front bogie. Some other small Arnold locos have also had them in the past.
The oldest design of these hooks had a unique mount not compatible with the standard T shank/spring pocket.
Probably something that could easily be drawn up and 3D printed, but to be honest I'd probably just get some brass or plastic sheet and create the shape by cutting and filing, then glue the shank to the model.
Quote from: njee20 on April 03, 2022, 08:27:26 AM
Looking at a picture of a Kof II I can't see how they'd be compatible with rapidos?
The standard n gauge Rapido coupler amply hooks over the Kof coupler. ISTR that there may be a DCC uncoupler version??
I've created stiff wire hooks occasionally when unable to attach a proper coupling to a bogie.
Here's the Rapido Specification (https://www.mobadaten.info/wiki/MOROP_NEM_356_Kupplungskopf_f%C3%BCr_Nenngr%C3%B6%C3%9Fe_N).
If you create a simple L shaped hook, the horizontal should be 3mm off rail level. If the vertical hook reaches only the level of the Rapido's leading edge, the Rapido will couple over it:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/2947-060422094221.png)
A taller vertical hook will be more secure in traffic. There will be play between pushing and pulling depending on the thickness of the wire (Rapido central cavity 3.1mm front to back).
Mike
The genuine Arnold part is 2065-4.
Spur-n Teile are usually a good source of spares but they don't have any in stock.
https://spur-n-teile.de/arnold-2065-4.html (https://spur-n-teile.de/arnold-2065-4.html)
(https://spur-n-teile.de/images/product_images/original_images/ARN_UNI_K_5775.jpg)
Thank you all for your replies.
Yes, unfortunately, Spur N Teile has no hook coupler for Köf available.
I will contact Union Mills soon. I hope he has some spare.