Talking T Gauge

rmyers · Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Evanston, IL USA

I haven't received my set yet, so this is based on reading at this point.

The couplers that come with the train set don't sound like they are suitable for operation - that is trains on the track can't reasonably be coupled and uncoupled. The current couplers sound like they are poorly molded, miniaturized Rapidos, which aren't that great even in N, or prototypish commuter-style couplers which aren't designed for operation.

So what do we do if we want operation? This might be getting ahead of the game, but folks initially thought the N wasn't an operating scale either.

American style knuckles don't seem appropriate. At this point there is no American prototype equipment, and it doesn't seem reasonable that the scale will be dominated by American outline equipment.

My mind draws to a hook and loop style coupler. These have proved successful in just about every model railroading scale. They can be made to be remotely operable. By making part of the coupler out of a magnetic material, magnetic operation is possible. The parts could quite easily be made as an etched fret, suitable to low volume production and low cost.

A couple of styles have been made that I think show promise. There was an old HO scale coupler, the Baker (http://www.gdlines.com/baker.html) which was a fixed loop with a top catching hook, and projection on the bottom to push up on the hook to release the coupling. These were used by John Allen on the legendary Gorre & Daphetid. There is also the DG coupler (http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/westford/dgcouplings.htm) used in N scale in Britain. in these the hook is fixed, and the loop pivots. The loop has a steel wire extension (similar to Kadee-style couplers) that lift the loop when a magnet is activated. These show a concept that I was thinking of where the fixed part (hook in this case) has a bend in it that provides a buffer plate for pushing.

Bob

David K Smith · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 1:37 am Post subject:

I've been giving this a lot of thought myself. The Baker style is certainly one approach. My concern here would be their tiny size: would the movable pin have enough mass to position itself properly after coupling?

Another approach that I've pondered is using magnets. A tiny rare-earth magnet can be installed inside each end of a car, with an L-shaped steel pin that sticks out roughly where a coupler would be. The articulated pins would be attracted to one another, and given the very low mass of the cars, should keep them together.

Two problems with this approach: the cars cannot be turned end-for-end. And, uncoupling would require a rather complex mechanism that would extend a pair of pins up out of the track between the cars, and then move the pins in such a way as to separate the cars.

I'd love to hear more ideas on coupling.
_________________
—David

http://www.t-gauge.net/
http://1-450.blogspot.com/

rmyers · Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Evanston, IL USA

I found the web site of the current manufacturer or distributor for the DG couplers. It is Model Signal Engineering: http://www.modelsignals.com/mse_home.htm

They make several sizes for various gauges. Maybe one of the UK T Gauge stockists could approach them and see if they are interested for making a smaller size suitable for T.

Bob

Jax · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 44 Location: London, UK

Andrew needs some details to have a look at this.
"Both types of coupling I produce (DG and Sprat & Winkle) involve pieces of wire, and I think the main problem will lie in scaling this down. Would it be possible for you to send a dimensioned drawing/photo of the end of a typical piece of rolling stock? One other problem is that S&W is not easy to fit to bogie stock - DG is easier in this respect. "

I have directed him to Eishindo website, but failing sufficiency I am demonstrating at a show where he is exibiting at the end of March, and I will take stock along for him to see first hand.

rmyers · Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Evanston, IL USA

As I think about it more, the DG style seems very well suited to T. The 'hook' is fixed and the loop moves. This allows an easy arrangement for pushing and no worry about where the hook goes as the train goes around corners.

I'm still waiting for my set, but when it comes, I think I'm going to try to fabricate a simplified DG style coupler out of brass or plastic with a steel wire loop to fit the standard coupler pocket. I've already bent test loops of about 2 x 3mm from about 29ga. wire.

Simplified how? The standard DG has a delayed uncoupling tab which I'll ignore, and is meant to be operated by undertrack magnets similar to Kadee/MT. I'm figuring on using a small rare earth magnet on a wand to raise the loops by waving it over them - hence the steel wire loops.

Bob

Jax · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 44 Location: London, UK

Andrew and I have agreed to meet at the show in March. We're not at the same shows anytime before that.
He cannot get a handle on the size of it and does need actual stock to play with.

David K Smith · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:23 pm Post subject:

Jax · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 44 Location: London, UK

Great, but apparently it's also a matter of sensing how much space there is to fit the coupler.