I'm not a railroad modeller or even into trains at all but I like your videos anyway. It is nice seeing someone dedicated to their hobby and doing something they enjoy. I also like your humor!
I've installed Kadees on most of my stock Charlie but some great ideas here for closer coupling on coaches and to buy some NEM pockets off Ebay. No wonder your YT Channel has so many subscribers as it's just so darn helpful and is presented in such a friendly and disarming manner. Thank you so much. William
Very nice Charlie very informative , I love your variations to the hobby on certain items , keep posting the videos please they’re very useful to all modelers , thank you .
Thanks Charlie for the information and of course the live theatre entertainment as usual. Cheered me up no end as I struggle with my coupling issues. Just spent 3 hours sorting out/modifying the NEM pocket height issue on a brand new Bachman Prairie. These things are sent to try us!
Thank you for the coupling video. I have used the Fleischmann Proffi couplings in my fixed rakes of coaches, they go straight into a NEM pocket to be used with the "close coupling mech"
Hi Charlie, thank you for your interest in our Hunt Couplings, they were primarily designed to make uncoupling easy and offer reliability in operation with inclines, helix's and push operations. The hst clip sets we do have been designed to work with layouts with second radius curves or helix's and double back on second radius, It has been a minefield and hornby on some models have altered the position of the pin in the coupling on the bogie therefore we have had to design the HST clip set to cater for both, we do do a HST CLOSE CLIP SET but due to hornby's bogie design these are only designed for radius 4 curves and greater, we will pop a set in the post for you to look at. Regarding strength they were tested for upto 14 coaches on a three tier helix, the locomotive started wheel slipping at that point, Love the Tug Of War :-)
Loving the OO couplings. Most of my freight stock doesn't have NEM pockets and I am having to buy 3D printed ones (as also featured in Charlie's video) but this is no great hardship - comes with buying old job lots from ebay! I think you have the price point spot on - especially compared to some other manufacturers - and I intend to modify all my rolling stock and locomotives. Cheers.
Thanks Chris, and it was a great conversation we had earlier as well. Good luck with your project and I’ll let you know how I get on with the new couplings, regards Charlie
I started to fit the keen system to my mk3s about a year ago. After quite a bit of surgery I encountered clearance issues between the wheel flanges and the kinematic coupling. With more effort I'm sure they can be made to work. I parked the project at that point and instead have bought some of the hunt couplings which I've not yet fitted. Up to this point I've run my HSTs with the powered car pushing the train. Its not ideal but sure helps with that nasty gap. Freight is a whole separate problem as you demonstrated. Those oxfords, blimey! Not tried any of their stuff yet. Cheers
Hi Richard, I had a text from Chris Hunt (Hunt Couplings) asking for a chat regarding my disappointment with my HST coupling gaps. I measured the gap at a little over 4mm and he will make me another set with a 2mm gap. I left my Keen Mk3s unopened, being yet another “sometime” job. The Oxford clearances were shocking. I just can’t understand why folks that do reviews have never mentioned it. Stay safe mate, regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Interesting, I guess the issue is navigating the curves. I have a mix of 3rd and 4th radius so will be interesting to see how you get on. Was aware of the gap on oxford mk3s but not those carflats. Shocking as you say! I'm safe & well, hope the same applies to you, cheers
Hi Charlie, just a follow up with the couplings. I use black chenille about 10 mm diameter. Drill 2 holes 1.5 mm in the top and base of the edge of the doorways in the centre, cut the chenille and bend it in so it sticks out a little top and bottom. You do this to both mating ends ,it doesn’t catch on anything and shows no gap at any angle. I use this on modern Bachmann coaches using the supplied brake pipe type coupling. Hopefully this helps. I bought a big bag of the chenille on e bay.
Another great update,it’s a minefield now with so much choice,I’ve just got some Hunt couplings to try out.Spratt and Winkle,the look that followed was straight out of a Carry on film,keep it up and all the best 😂👍
Charlie - another great video! When watching, I feel like you are our own personal train professor! I love magnets, glad they are being used more and more for different model train applications! I am doing my first model train layout and am using earth magnets for my lift up bridge to keep it in place and also for underlayments for steep slopes by DCC Concepts.
Hi Charlie Another informative and fun video, thanks, you may have solved a problem I have with my layout. I’d get a derailment on a bend, instinctively I've gone to track fault, which on a couple was the cause; I had not considered buffer lock. That will be the phone then, I instinctively went to grab my phone (same ring tone), its all good fun. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
@@ChadwickModelRailway My only challenge now is how to upgrade 40-50 year old stock away from the enormous drop links they have now! 🤔 If I get a good solution I'll let you know...😅
Edward Walton Bespoke You could try a combination; one drop link and a magnet each side, pairing with the next wagon to have a three link (with the blob in the middle being an instanter link).
Thanks Charlie, love the magnets idea but if you do any switching it is not going to be easy. I decided to go with Kadees (metal, for strength) on my HO for looks and operation. Now on my n scale I use Microtrains couplers. But plan on going to their True scale for unit trains. Thanks for sharing....Jack 👍👍👍
A little late to the party on this one, but what I've found to be the most effective coupling options for me is as follows: I use the Keen replacement coupler plate / assembly on the brake ends of all my Bachmann MK1/MK2 coaches as this puts the NEM pocket at the correct height & location for using Kadee couplers. I also use the Keen assembly when inserting Hornby coaches into the middle of a rake of Bachmann coaches. I believe the latest Bachmann coaches have the NEM pocket at the correct location now, but I've not been able to verify. I use the standard Bachmann vacuum hose on internal couplers, as my rakes are mostly permanent and once on the board, they do not come off... although, I may look into the Hunt couplers going forward. Everything else, is generally a Kadee #18, as I've found this to be the best fit... with the exception of the Dapol Turbot wagons. Like the Oxford carflats, a standard coupler does not give an acceptable distance between the cars. Dapol however, did include a very short coupling bar that is similar to the Bachmann intermodal coupler, for coupling the Turbots together. I use a Kadee 17 at the ends where the Turbots connect to other stock, and when coupled to a Kadee 18, it provides a reasonably close couple. I have used the full Keen system on a rake of Hornby Colletts and GWR Centenary coaches with varying degree's of success.
Many thanks, Derek, for such an interesting comment. I have in fact removed all of my keen couplings. I find that using the Hunt couplings a much more reliable commodity. With my fix rakes I use the Bachman type hose, with a magnetic coupling midway, to assist with maintenance. Regards, Charlie.
I absolutely LOVE this video. While I am in the US and I know I have made a comment on the previous video about Kadees and my dislike of the uncoupling pin (I have had just too many cause issues at times) I do still like them over other US knuckle options we have here (I really love Rapido MacDonald Cartier ones overall they just do not have spares for sale that I know of) although I do wish the US would use NEM pockets instead. So much easier to change things around. Although I wanted to say that this episode gave me quite a few ideas for how to couple 24' ore cars with a drawbar (will need modifications for using some of what you have shown but I think it would not be super difficult). Some of the railroads would use them in 4 car sets with drawbars on the middle cars. Well done video and thank you for the excellent ideas!! Happy modeling, John
Hi Charlie, thank you for another interesting and informative Video! Your channel is one of my favorites on RUclips! All the best to you and your family! Best wishes from Germany Günter
Hi Charlie,Des from Down Under.Enjoyed your video once again.I tend to use a mixture of coupling types.Haviing started,or should I say restarted,I use Roco close coupling/Nem pockets system components on my stock.I tend to use the Roco close coupler for passenger stock (Hornby use a very similiar coupler,but it is a bit bigger(HO as opposed to OO)For goods stock I have converted a lot of my British outline to the Roco type of coupler assembly .At present I have been looking at the Hunt system and also those Bachmann/Earth Magnet type of system you have described very well,the only disadvantage I can see over here the cost is expensive.My HST has been converted on the engine to a close coupling system used by Roco as a spare part which is available as a spare part.and it works well.I do like the system you have used with the earth magnets/Bachmann coaching bar.Hope I have not been too long winded,but in conclusion I would love a a world wide universal coupling system that would be acceptable to all...............yes i know I'm dreaming.kindest regards Des.
Great video again Charlie. I bought some of the hunt couplings recently, pretty pleased with them - a few don't fit well in certain NEM sockets but this is likely down to different manufacturers so need a spot of glue, and some of the magnets came out of their housings which was disappointing for the price paid - still a bit of glue fixed this too. The only downside is needing the polarity to be a certain way for it to work so trains need to be set up the right way round for a loco, but not a massive issue and a big improvement on the standard Hornby / Dapol etc. Thanks, Tom
So many options out on the market these days in relation to couplings. I will be getting rid of the tension lock coupling on my models and was previously going to go to kadee couplings. Having said that some of these cheaper alternatives are growing on me. A great video Charlie and all the best, Clint
Charlie, On Finescale stock you need sprung buffers to stop buffer lock around tight radius curves. Also they need to be fitted with very soft springs so the buffers are moving as soon as they touch. I remember we all used to use very soft black sponge plugs to fit into the corridor connectors, to hide the gap completly. There was an article in the 60's in the magazine Modal Railway News on how to make and dress the outside of the plug to look like a bellow's connector. Still it keeps us in our bubbles. Next week I might put my toe outside the front door. Cheers, Chris Perry.
Hello Charlie,no....not here to knock you this time! A very incisive addition to your videos..I like many others bought a lot of Mr.Keens couplings for a previous layout and found they work very well indeed not only on RTR but a three set brass kit rake of Southern coaching stock-a real bugger to fit,but in the end,got em! I too go with you on the 'HUNT' ones and will refit all my rolling stock with them.Thanks once more for an hours worth of good, interesting entertainment.Best wishes,Larry in Gloucester.
Great video, some really good info for me and my rolling stock, thank you. I use Fleischmann Profi & Roco couplings, I agree with you those Hornby HST couplings are horrendous! I would be interested if you ever looked at adding coach bellows as well...perhaps a future vid...!?
I was looking forward to you putting up a video on these after asking you a little while ago. Thank you, great video, great advice as always...stay well
I love watching your videos, and you’re probably my favourite channel I choose to watch. I would like to see more videos relating on the progress of your layout rather than renumbering locomotives and getting disappointed with the distance between your wagons. Saying that I would like it if you did a video on track cleaning as it would be really interesting to know what you use, and why. Kind regards Ian’s I I
Brilliant video Charlie Think Gibs Onethirty sums it up well - Kadees are my preferred couplings because of the 'Hands Free' operation and push shunting.... Keep up the excellent work, stay safe & well.......... Regards, Nigel at west hatton model railway.
I model N gauge and regularly use the buck eye couplings sold by Fleischmann. Fleischmasnn also sell couplings that let you convert others wagons that don’e have the NEM type socket
Great video Charlie, I have used the home made magnet on the cut pipe system for about 5 years now on most of my coach stock, occasionally it comes out of the fiddle yard a couple of coaches short of a rake but rarely, and it’s cheap and looks right. I would not use it for rakes of more than 9 coaches though.
Morning Charlie, on the 'Hunt' Couplings, did you discover the modifrication made to the Hose pipe coupling to the effect that the contacting faces 'ROTATE' to suit the magnetism of each coupling to hold and not repel. I think they are around 19 GBP bag for HST /Close Coupling. When this Lockdown Lunacy is over I'll be looking at an order. I had the same problem with not enough hold on the magnets I got (1mm) 100 of them so I turned them into MU Cables, glued one to the loco connecter point and one each of a fine Orange wire about an inch long. looks good and took care of surplus stock
I wonder, I don't have Helixes down here, (sorry, just one, in the middle of the North Island), I have an idea, if your couplings a letting go on the inside of the helix, it could be that the heads of the coupling are not TWISTING in relation to the two coaches. Got an idea that might work? cut the coupling off the shank, the 'face-up' the two surfaces, drill down the centre of the shaft so that the head/knuckle swivels. It's going to take a bit of experimental strength testing. pinhead in knuckle jaws and rest of pin down shaft, when everything is working, heat end of pin with soldering iron to fix in place n the shaft and the head swivels. Necessity is the mother of convenience or something similar...I'll let you know
Can NEM Couplings fit inside gear boxes that horn hooks or knuckle couplers swivel inside of? Example: I have some old rolling stock that has gear boxes built into the frames or the bogies and was wondering if a NEM coupling would fit inside there and click into place on the other side, or would I need a NEM gear box specifically? I'm trying to get a tension lock style train from Bachmann to work with kadee rolling stock and am having an extreme amount of trouble trying to problem solve this coupling issue.
Fantastic video been looking forward to it .those shapeways are amazing and as you ve shown they will last . Ps since u numbered the videos I ve now watched them all lol
Hi Charlie just watched your video on couplings I have got mainly tension lock but have got 2 different liveries of Bachmann mk2 coaches with the vacuum pipe ones but for my mk2 Bachmann I might try the hunt magnetic as they look so much better and I might even eventually try them on my hst’s if you don’t mind me asking where did you purchase the hunt couplings from my Friday night RUclips viewing sorted with coffee jammie dodgers and chadwick Best wishes Kev Beighton Parkway
Hi Charlie, great video as usual. I have used the Bachman pipe couplings and neomagnets as you used. Never thought of doing what you did with them. The hunt coupling magnets look to have a larger surface area which is possibly why they have more attraction. Anyway, I run 6 coach sets so will try your idea.
I switched my Bachmann MK 1 & 2s to Keen but only because it puts the NEM at the correct height and then I used Kadees for all my stock. I use those 3d printed NEM boxes on my 4 wheeled wagon stock either on the old Hornby wagons or the Mainline/Bachmann wagons. They seem to work quite well. I will be getting the Hunt couplings for my HST sets as they seem a good compromise.
Hi Scott, I have spoken with Chris Hunt from Hunt Couplings and he is going to manufacture me some shorter HST couplings, for me to trial. So wait until I try them before you buy. Regards Charlie
A company I worked for years ago used neodymium rare-earth magnets for water treatment. A larger size than you are experimenting with. They came with a warning, as they were so strong you could physically get injured if you caught your finger or hand between two magnets. Mighty powerful things.
Hi Charlie, I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this but I think if you're going down the route of semi-permanently coupled rakes, you could definitely get away with real miniature chain and brass hooks. Obviously more fidely and time consuming but they stay together very well and can easily adapt to imperfections and undulations in the track. Also, it allows you to keep the existing NEM pockets on the wagons, maybe the first and last in the train retaining original coupling to connect to locos.The main reason though is of course the looks - I don't think anything else compares for me.
I’ve gone with the hunt couplings and as they update their designs these have got closer so great results with HST close couplings though on the engines, one was loose due to tolerance discrepancies in the manufacturing. It did also catch part of the undercarriage so a little filing did the trick and this was reported to West Hill Wagon Works who were very obliging and sent me a couple more on my next order. Not as much luck with the hornby freight single screw on tension lock replacement types. The hole wasn’t a big enough diameter for the screw and trying to take this out about 0.2mm bigger resulted in it breaking through the surrounding material on two occasions. I was promised an updated product version foc but, that hasn’t happened despite two emails without a response, which is a shame. Loved your narration and video tutorial on the McKinley Railway shunters btw with the kadee cotton motorised uncoupling assembly with ESU programming. Dedication indeed and such a beautiful result.
Thanks for another great video. An alternative coupling mechanism is the German Ribu system It consists of a KKK box with adjustable height mounted NEM box. (The KKK is Kurzkupplingkinematic, not the US version!) The box simply is glued to the chassis, great for Hornby coaches with bogie mounted couplings removed. Priced a little high but they work well.
Have you tried the Hornby magnetic couplers ? From what I can see on photos there are two magnets each side which I assume will eliminate the rejection problem. And a problem WILL arise if a return loop is on the layout and consists are spilt in either direction.
Hi Charlie, great video for magnet issues i.e north,north,south,south redling each other if you use a ball magnet on one end of a a coupling it will stick to the north or south poles oand even each other and offers some compliance. On the test you did at the end the failiure was more that rotationanl force through the coupling rather tha a streight pull which is not (prototypical) oops
I do understand that the test was not fair because it wasn’t a straight pull. However, it was a fair test after all because that was she are putting pressure. And what I’ve written doesn’t make any sense at all!
Charlie - Have you tried using a kinetic coupling ROCO 40344 (cheaper on ebay) for a coach or wagon conversion. I have successfully done this on my H0 coaches but wouldn't know what's involved in converting 00 coaches - with the tension coupling.
I use the bachmann dmu couplers .they are similar to the continental type model couplers they are smaller profile,they couple closer for better scale distance and are easier to uncouple with a hand uncoupler such as a thin piece of hooked wire or a bamboo skewer with a notch cut in .they are approx 10 quid for pack of 10 which is a lot of money but they work well .
Hi Charlie. Your homemade magnetic coupling will always fail first as the force being applied is vertical not horizontal (watch the coupling as the pull apart, the magnet lifts before separating). The hunt couplings line up perfectly with the strongest force of the magnet - horizontal.
Ok, help an old daft Yank's memory out, in the 1:1 units, is one buffer fixed, and the other one on a coil volute spring Or is that something that varies wildly depending on era, type of rolling stock, etc.?
You brits seem to be spoiled by choice but not quality or function. Kadees are by far the best. Another in depth, informative and entertaining video, well done sir!
Hi Charlie, I use kadee couplings on everything. That said I do model Australian outline. Have you like looked at there scale head sized kadee’s? Cheers, Bill (from down under)
im going with your prototype charlie, Bachmann pipe with earth magnets, as i have the bachmann pipes in my shed and the earth magnet arrive the other day, what glue did you use ? but also i believe the hunt hst couplings will fit hornbys mk2d coaches too, which i have a few of ,so ill give one coach a home made effort ,if unsuccessful hunts it will be as i think magnets is the way to go. another great and informative video.............tony
Very interesting. Wondering if you would have seen a NEM extender that gets left on a individual cars? A short plug male/female, that just extends the length on one car? The issue I have is with Fleischmann cars and engines going around some curves with the bumpers coming into contact on the inside of the curve and lifting the inner wheels off the track. This happens only with certain combinations of cars and engines but is consistent to their use. The next step would be to dissect two dozen couplers to insert spacing plugs. Thoughts? Ideas? PM
Yes Patrick, buffer clash can be a real problem on tight curves. However, I have never heard of a system of extending the NEM coupler. Clearly a coupling with a longer shaft is what is required or perhaps shortening of the buffer stocks. Regards Charlie
G'Day Charlie. Mate what can I say, its a bloody minefield when it comes to couplings. Well presented as always, thanks. I think that is why I just stick to the one type, which is of course Kadee's. Yep even on coaches, to me its more about the reliability as well as the versatility of Kadee couplings. So far I've not seen another system that can allow the operator to uncouple and re-couple rolling stock at will on the layout without involving the "Hand of God" somwhere. At least with the kadee system you can use perma-magnets (or the electro) under the track anywhere you like and not even see where you have installed them (except for where you "Sign Post" your uncoupling spot). Or you can even go the rout like McKinley has with the "Auto coupling" with Kadee's. Can't say the same for the rest of them though.
The more I see on shapeways, the more impressed I am. I also build military models and 3D printing is a game changer. Shapeways is a great alternative for plastic parts until I can learn Autocad Fusion 360 well enough to reliably design my own products.
Hi Charlie, great watchable video as always, I know you are more of a modern image modeller than me but Hornby do make kinematic couplers on the Maunsell coach stock. Hornby provide Roco couplers as well as tension lock for each coach and I've found that they work quite well, easy to split up just by lifting vertically. Cheers stay safe.
Hello Charlie. Just to advise that if your site doesn't register all of the 'hits' from people watching, at least here in Canada, I watch your videos via our apple t.v. RUclips is included on their streaming device, but as far as I have determined, I cannot add any comments or click on any icons while watching on my t.v. set. (only on my computer). I do enjoy your self deprecating sense of humour , but you have provided many great ideas. One of your videos was regarding ballasting and sound transmission through the baseboard. Articles in Model Railroader mentions artists' polymer matte medium as it lasts longer than diluted white glue and gives some flexibility to the track and ballast while some sound deadening qualities . However like many things, there seems to be pros and cons when choosing it over white glue (including the best way to remove it if necessary). Cheers. Ed.
I have seen these pockets but most of my stock is old and I do not have any nem pockets. Have you done a video to convert to nem pockets from tension lock couplings and who is the company selling hunt couplings please
Hi Bill, the company selling the couplings are called Hunt Couplings and there is a link in the show more tab below the video. Also, you can buy NEM pockets on eBay to convert earlier wagons.
Chadwick Model Railway thanks for the information it will help unfortunately most of my stock is old and to be honest at the prices are a bit to high for my pocket so it is time to make and mend thanks again
Love your down to earth videos, all my coaching stock is 1980s/early 1990s mainly Mainline & Airfix so living in Christchurch New Zealand it is very hard to find anything to replace the existing tension couplings, so you have to just suck it up! Kadee is about £7.50 a pack.
Hi Charlie. Another great and informative video as usual, and my first comment to you too. Regarding the Modal (4)couplings I think these may designed for use on the Modern container wagons which run in fixed formations, and the 'inner' wagons have no buffers to lock. Just a theory as I have none. I'm currently experimenting with Hunt couplings and find they can be used for selective purposes i.e fixed rakes and quick to uncouple when required. Also although A & B markings are small to see, you'll find the 'A's are coloured Gold & the 'B's Silver. Hope this helps people.
Hi Charlie. Another great video, unlike you I suspected that the rare earth magnets would come a close second. I run up to 12 coach trains using that method but if the engine jerks in afraid that it isn't unusual to have a division. On my HST I'm using Kadee couplings albeit superglued in place. As I don't want to 'shunt' my HST I cut off the auto coupling rods. As an aside, I was surprised to see that you have buffers on your Mk 3 coaches. Then I looked at mine ......... That's a job for this afternoon then!
1952TonyC Is it not true that the Mk3 on the HST have no buffers, but those that are loco hauled do have the buffers? Makes buffer clash easier to avoid on HST sets, of course, as it’s only the corridor that touches. Not the colour of the corridor made the gap more noticeable, hence the need for black. And a small foam filler to stop light leak?
I have spoken with Chris Hunt this afternoon. The owner of Hunt Couplings. He is going to send me another set of HST couplings with a smaller gap between coaches. My gap was 4 mm and he intends to reduce it to 2. I’ll keep you posted Tony.
Tom Lawton, you know what annoys me? I used to know the difference between the various coaches and particularly between mk3 and mk3a, blessed if can remember now! In any event. BR (W) HSTs certainly has no buffers either on coaches or power cars.
Thanks, Charlie, a detailed analysis. What are the forces during buffer-clash compared to the Hunt Coupling? Is there any mileage in having a spring on the Hunt to allow it to be closer than worst case requires, which makes it better for normal and nominal cases. And as to why your coupling was weaker than the Hunt version; firstly, accuracy of the 90• may mean your contact was not as square (hence binding over the whole area). Second is similar; your rod was an arc segment, so when pulled caused the mating surface to deviate from 90•, whereas the hunt version was straight. But interesting to compare, especially as you could chose to make your own to fit your curves, stock and expectations, rather than the Hunt version where two sizes fits all. (BTW, do they do a close couple HST set, which may improve your reported gap?). Finally, I wonder about three link couplings where the instanter lump is the magnets, but the basic link hangs free when not connected. Optimal appearance, close coupling, and if the link is made of springy metal, reduces the impact of buffer clash. All thoughts and royalties gratefully accepted!
@@ChadwickModelRailway Charlie, update. How much does the Hunt coupling rely on two magnets linking together, or would one magnet link to the metal of older tension locks (including the old Triang open loop and hook) You will have seen the new combined Hunt couplings, where the Hunt has a loop for the hook to grab; my thoughts came from the magnet part of the Hunt, which might provide good linking without the hook, if the D is metal. (ntersting; in case of buffer clash, the magent could release, and the hook keep the train linked; after a moment, chances are the magnet would recover link... Regards, Tom
I use the Fleischmann Profi couplings. Rolling stock with NEM-short coupling pockets only. Looking sort of OK, technical, not actually realistic and even perhaps a bit agricultural. But they do the job well, carriages can be lifted out of a train like with KaDee's. Uncoupling is mechanical, plastic, no magnetic touch to it. Cheap, I have lots of loco's and carriages. Yet, this is for the continental trains. For the fewer British stuff I have ( Smaller lay out ) I'm considering Kadee. Partly because of your vid on these. Looking great, curious to see how they work for me.
Hi Charlie good video once again just one point buffer lock happens with reverse where a vehicle passes over a curve in one direction and then immediately there is a refresh curve in the opposite direction allowing one buffer to move around the opposite one and lock up. This can occur in the 1:1 world and minimum. Radius are specified in the track Design handbook to avoid this issue. Would not be on the mainline but in sidings and depots
It's so darned complicated. Even on this side of the pond, we've been besieged by different takes on the Kadee standard. And none seem to improve on the Kadee. I understand that the Kadee coupler doesn't really conform with either the look or the function of European version, but there seems to be tons of possible solutions. Good job, Charlie.
The Kadee company was started by 2 brothers. Some time during my break in the Hobby Kadee split one brother kept Kadee (the larger scales). The other took N and Z scales. They still aren’t cheap. But when all the cars you buy have them you are given no choice. Rail on my friend.
Hi Charlie another great video mate I have stared work on my models of BR mk2c tso converting them from old lima mk2b and also building working colour light gantrys I really enjoyed the video mate stay safe and well mate goodbye for now clive
Hi. Hornby Maunsell coaches come with the kinematic system and the Roco style Close couplings. You can also mix one Hornby with one Roco to get them even closer. Why didn’t you cover the Roco couplings? As I replied to your other video I love the Shapeways couplings on wagons. Keep safe Alec
@@ChadwickModelRailway With the height difference between some of those coupler heads that's no surprise, as all euro close couplers allow lifting the wagons out of the consist. Any height difference outside tolerances will result in unplanned decoupling
As someone who models continental trains this is fascinating. Continental manufacturers have been fitting kinematic close coupling and NEM boxes to their freight and passenger cars for decades. The oldest example I have in my collection dates from 1973. And the couplings on that model are also power conducting for interior lighting and direction changing head and tail lights. Marklin, Roco and Fleishman all sell couplings which are better than Kaydee and any make of coupling will fit any make of rolling stock using standardized NEM boxes. But the couplings from each manufacturer are different so you have to fit the same to each wagon or coach. But they all couple or uncouple easily, although they are designed to stay together over bad points. Fleishman style couplings are also available from Viessman in a power conducting configuration which will still couple with the ordinary ones. Even the power conducting ones couple or uncouple easily without having to leave rolling stock permanently attached. I believe Hornby sold a knockoff of Roco couplings for a while at an inflated price. I don't know if they still do. I tried them on a rake of Hornby coaches with kinetic close coupling from the factory but Hornby had not worked out the distances properly and they didn't work, derailing the coaches on curves. I never have that issue with continental rolling stock because they do their math properly. Personally I use Fleishman and Viessman couplings as they are sturdier and stay coupled better over bad track.
Hi Charlie, Thank you for an informative video... However, despite your best efforts, I will probably carry on using tension lock couplings as I find them cheap to buy (secondhand), easy to fit and very reliable. I don't much like NEM pockets but am stuck with a few newer wagons on which they are fitted...Most of my rolling stock being thirty to forty years old and came with my favorite couplings fitted as srandard. I am thinking about Spratt and Winkle, but probably will not make the change now.
another great video. i have a mixed relationship with couplings. i like the kadees, i have bought quite a few packs of sizes 17-20 with the nem fittings. not had the greatest luck with them, but some of that may be due in part to my dodgy track laying and using set track - a mistake that has since been rectified. i have yet to fit them to my new setup and test as i have a 3 year old....god help me. i was wondering if you had much luck with kadees and backmann mk2s? - i find some bachmann locos 37,47 etc have rubbish nem socket heights.
I've got one of the Hunt couplings close coupling pack ... looks the dogs on my rake of Hornby Mk2s, and also bought the pack especially for Oxford Rail Mk3s, not fitted those yet though... I would love to see how a rake behaves on 3rd radius curves as I haven't finished my layout yet ... if you happened to be sending your Mk3s around your layout and your camera was out ... hint hint 😁
with magnetic couplings, what happens if you have magnet operated reed switches on your, probably more analog railway? do the magnets have a negative effect? If you could, rather than use magnets, what would happen if they were electro magnetic, so for shunting the magnet would be turned off, for running it'd be on
I have heard of no issues with magnetic operated red switches. However, for shunting I tend to use a mixture of electro magnets and fixed magnets in the track. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, if the Hunts couplings still look too far apart, why not cut a bit out of each coupling then glue them back together, to adjust the distance between the coaches.?
Excellent video explaining about couplers. Not trying to sound to bad, what do you mean by “first radius curve”? You did a great job showing how things work. Thanks for sharing. Ken
Another excellent video review. I remember seeing the 3 link coupling video and thinking they looked amazing. I have operated exhibition layouts with sprat and winkle couplings and they are ideal for shunting wagons with strategic magnets placed in the track. Keen couplings I've experienced are very good, a bit fiddly to get spot on but worth it in the end. The kadee couplings are probably the best prototypical looking and with a vast variety available, there is something for most needs. I'm glad you fitted a set of Hunt (careful how you say that) couplings to a HST. I was going to get a few sets but I won't bother now. A note on the HST though, the new mk3s have nem pockets wether that would make any difference...... Thanks again
Another good overview of the minefield of couplings. The hunt couplings look a good product, especially with the new elite version. For us finescale modellers as well as the Spratt and winkle, there's a few others such as dingham (my choice probably), dg and Alex Jackson. As well as of course functional 3link and screw couplings which some favour. Regardless of what you model be it fine or otherwise, it will always to some extent be a personal choice between ease of use and cost. I will probably use the hunt couplings on units (though I do wish they'd made the look more akin to buckeye or shefenberg types as used on the railway.
An interesting comment, many thanks.Yes the Hunt Couplings are very attractive when compared with our dreadful standard alternative. If only the manufacturers could form a coalition and find a way forward on this one.
Hi Carlie Would it be easy to cut the end off of the hunt coupling on the HST coach, shorten the shaft and re stick the magnet back on. thanks for another very informative vidio
@@ChadwickModelRailway, Hi Charlie, I look forward to your test vid. Are the D G couplings still avaliable,( i made some years ago,I am returning to my layout in my loft after being too bizzy to find time to play trains.) bit of a fiddle to make but I think they are werth the effort for 4 wheel wagons.
I'm not a railroad modeller or even into trains at all but I like your videos anyway. It is nice seeing someone dedicated to their hobby and doing something they enjoy. I also like your humor!
Thanks Petra, you’re too kind
I've installed Kadees on most of my stock Charlie but some great ideas here for closer coupling on coaches and to buy some NEM pockets off Ebay. No wonder your YT Channel has so many subscribers as it's just so darn helpful and is presented in such a friendly and disarming manner. Thank you so much.
William
What a heartwarming comment William, you’re too kind. Regards Charlie
Very nice Charlie very informative , I love your variations to the hobby on certain items , keep posting the videos please they’re very useful to all modelers , thank you .
Thanks Kevin, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie for the information and of course the live theatre entertainment as usual. Cheered me up no end as I struggle with my coupling issues. Just spent 3 hours sorting out/modifying the NEM pocket height issue on a brand new Bachman Prairie. These things are sent to try us!
Oo..er - I am using my wife's laptop. Should have shown me as Tidford Junction. PS I am still a Kadee fan.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. The pocket height is a dreadful issue. We live in hope!
Thank you for the coupling video. I have used the Fleischmann Proffi couplings in my fixed rakes of coaches, they go straight into a NEM pocket to be used with the "close coupling mech"
I’m pleased that you have a reliable solution Denis. Regards Charlie
Once again, a very nice video, full of humour and entertaining to boot. Well done.
Thank you Kevin, much appreciated. Regards Charlie
Excellent overview. Thank you for your efforts!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, thank you for your interest in our Hunt Couplings, they were primarily designed to make uncoupling easy and offer reliability in operation with inclines, helix's and push operations.
The hst clip sets we do have been designed to work with layouts with second radius curves or helix's and double back on second radius, It has been a minefield and hornby on some models have altered the position of the pin in the coupling on the bogie
therefore we have had to design the HST clip set to cater for both, we do do a HST CLOSE CLIP SET but due to hornby's bogie design these are only designed for radius 4 curves and greater, we will pop a set in the post for you to look at.
Regarding strength they were tested for upto 14 coaches on a three tier helix, the locomotive started wheel slipping at that point, Love the Tug Of War :-)
Is there any plans for hunt to produce n gauge nem couplings
@@katiedave1098 Yes already in testing - release soon :-)
@@WestHillWagonWorks thank you very much for your reply, can't wait for these fantastic couplings for n gauge.
Loving the OO couplings. Most of my freight stock doesn't have NEM pockets and I am having to buy 3D printed ones (as also featured in Charlie's video) but this is no great hardship - comes with buying old job lots from ebay! I think you have the price point spot on - especially compared to some other manufacturers - and I intend to modify all my rolling stock and locomotives. Cheers.
Thanks Chris, and it was a great conversation we had earlier as well. Good luck with your project and I’ll let you know how I get on with the new couplings, regards Charlie
I started to fit the keen system to my mk3s about a year ago. After quite a bit of surgery I encountered clearance issues between the wheel flanges and the kinematic coupling. With more effort I'm sure they can be made to work. I parked the project at that point and instead have bought some of the hunt couplings which I've not yet fitted. Up to this point I've run my HSTs with the powered car pushing the train. Its not ideal but sure helps with that nasty gap. Freight is a whole separate problem as you demonstrated.
Those oxfords, blimey! Not tried any of their stuff yet. Cheers
Hi Richard,
I had a text from Chris Hunt (Hunt Couplings) asking for a chat regarding my disappointment with my HST coupling gaps. I measured the gap at a little over 4mm and he will make me another set with a 2mm gap.
I left my Keen Mk3s unopened, being yet another “sometime” job.
The Oxford clearances were shocking. I just can’t understand why folks that do reviews have never mentioned it.
Stay safe mate, regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Interesting, I guess the issue is navigating the curves. I have a mix of 3rd and 4th radius so will be interesting to see how you get on.
Was aware of the gap on oxford mk3s but not those carflats. Shocking as you say!
I'm safe & well, hope the same applies to you, cheers
Very interesting video Charlie, thanks. Never given couplings much thought.
I wish that I hadn’t either Pete.
Hi Charlie, just a follow up with the couplings. I use black chenille about 10 mm diameter. Drill 2 holes 1.5 mm in the top and base of the edge of the doorways in the centre, cut the chenille and bend it in so it sticks out a little top and bottom. You do this to both mating ends ,it doesn’t catch on anything and shows no gap at any angle. I use this on modern Bachmann coaches using the supplied brake pipe type coupling. Hopefully this helps. I bought a big bag of the chenille on e bay.
Thanks Christy, an interesting option and worth checking out. Regards Charlie
Excellent Video Charlie. As we have come to expect.
You’re too kind Paul thank you.
Another great update,it’s a minefield now with so much choice,I’ve just got some Hunt couplings to try out.Spratt and Winkle,the look that followed was straight out of a Carry on film,keep it up and all the best 😂👍
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed my episode on our couplings nightmare.
Charlie - another great video! When watching, I feel like you are our own personal train professor! I love magnets, glad they are being used more and more for different model train applications!
I am doing my first model train layout and am using earth magnets for my lift up bridge to keep it in place and also for underlayments for steep slopes by DCC Concepts.
I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos Craig.
Hi Charlie
Another informative and fun video, thanks, you may have solved a problem I have with my layout. I’d get a derailment on a bend, instinctively I've gone to track fault, which on a couple was the cause; I had not considered buffer lock.
That will be the phone then, I instinctively went to grab my phone (same ring tone), its all good fun.
Keep up the good work and stay safe.
Thanks David, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Definitely cool stuff. Rare Earth magnets are getting a lot of use all over the modeling world.
I agree they are just fantastic.
Spot on. Thank you Charlie 🙂 Very informative
Thanks Edward, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting.
@@ChadwickModelRailway My only challenge now is how to upgrade 40-50 year old stock away from the enormous drop links they have now! 🤔 If I get a good solution I'll let you know...😅
Please do and good luck.
Edward Walton Bespoke You could try a combination; one drop link and a magnet each side, pairing with the next wagon to have a three link (with the blob in the middle being an instanter link).
Thanks Charlie, love the magnets idea but if you do any switching it is not going to be easy. I decided to go with Kadees (metal, for strength) on my HO for looks and operation. Now on my n scale I use Microtrains couplers. But plan on going to their True scale for unit trains. Thanks for sharing....Jack 👍👍👍
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Jack.
A little late to the party on this one, but what I've found to be the most effective coupling options for me is as follows:
I use the Keen replacement coupler plate / assembly on the brake ends of all my Bachmann MK1/MK2 coaches as this puts the NEM pocket at the correct height & location for using Kadee couplers. I also use the Keen assembly when inserting Hornby coaches into the middle of a rake of Bachmann coaches. I believe the latest Bachmann coaches have the NEM pocket at the correct location now, but I've not been able to verify.
I use the standard Bachmann vacuum hose on internal couplers, as my rakes are mostly permanent and once on the board, they do not come off... although, I may look into the Hunt couplers going forward.
Everything else, is generally a Kadee #18, as I've found this to be the best fit... with the exception of the Dapol Turbot wagons. Like the Oxford carflats, a standard coupler does not give an acceptable distance between the cars. Dapol however, did include a very short coupling bar that is similar to the Bachmann intermodal coupler, for coupling the Turbots together. I use a Kadee 17 at the ends where the Turbots connect to other stock, and when coupled to a Kadee 18, it provides a reasonably close couple.
I have used the full Keen system on a rake of Hornby Colletts and GWR Centenary coaches with varying degree's of success.
Many thanks, Derek, for such an interesting comment. I have in fact removed all of my keen couplings. I find that using the Hunt couplings a much more reliable commodity.
With my fix rakes I use the Bachman type hose, with a magnetic coupling midway, to assist with maintenance. Regards, Charlie.
+@derekgentle7116
Great as always Charlie 👍🏻 Have a lovey safe weekend. See ya next Friday 👍🏻
Stevie, it’s a date, see you Friday.
Once again another useful video. Thank you.
You’re most welcome Alex.
I absolutely LOVE this video. While I am in the US and I know I have made a comment on the previous video about Kadees and my dislike of the uncoupling pin (I have had just too many cause issues at times) I do still like them over other US knuckle options we have here (I really love Rapido MacDonald Cartier ones overall they just do not have spares for sale that I know of) although I do wish the US would use NEM pockets instead. So much easier to change things around. Although I wanted to say that this episode gave me quite a few ideas for how to couple 24' ore cars with a drawbar (will need modifications for using some of what you have shown but I think it would not be super difficult). Some of the railroads would use them in 4 car sets with drawbars on the middle cars. Well done video and thank you for the excellent ideas!! Happy modeling, John
Thanks John, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Couplings remain a nightmare, regards Charlie
Great series Charlie. You're fast becoming my reference Go To guy :)
Don’t make me blush Dominic.
Hi Charlie, thank you for another interesting and informative Video! Your channel is one of my favorites on RUclips! All the best to you and your family! Best wishes from Germany Günter
Thanks Gunter, I’m so pleased that you enjoy all of my videos.
Another legendary video Mr Bishop 😂😎
You know me Chris, here to please.
Hi Charlie,Des from Down Under.Enjoyed your video once again.I tend to use a mixture of coupling types.Haviing started,or should I say restarted,I use Roco close coupling/Nem pockets system components on my stock.I tend to use the Roco close coupler for passenger stock (Hornby use a very similiar coupler,but it is a bit bigger(HO as opposed to OO)For goods stock I have converted a lot of my British outline to the Roco type of coupler assembly .At present I have been looking at the Hunt system and also those Bachmann/Earth Magnet type of system you have described very well,the only disadvantage I can see over here the cost is expensive.My HST has been converted on the engine to a close coupling system used by Roco as a spare part which is available as a spare part.and it works well.I do like the system you have used with the earth magnets/Bachmann coaching bar.Hope I have not been too long winded,but in conclusion I would love a a world wide universal coupling system that would be acceptable to all...............yes i know I'm dreaming.kindest regards Des.
Hi Des, Yes a worldwide standard solution is too much to ask for. Good luck with your layout, regards Charlie
Great video again Charlie. I bought some of the hunt couplings recently, pretty pleased with them - a few don't fit well in certain NEM sockets but this is likely down to different manufacturers so need a spot of glue, and some of the magnets came out of their housings which was disappointing for the price paid - still a bit of glue fixed this too. The only downside is needing the polarity to be a certain way for it to work so trains need to be set up the right way round for a loco, but not a massive issue and a big improvement on the standard Hornby / Dapol etc. Thanks, Tom
Yes Tom, they certainly seem to be a step forward.
So many options out on the market these days in relation to couplings. I will be getting rid of the tension lock coupling on my models and was previously going to go to kadee couplings. Having said that some of these cheaper alternatives are growing on me. A great video Charlie and all the best, Clint
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Clint.
Charlie, On Finescale stock you need sprung buffers to stop buffer lock around tight radius curves. Also they need to be fitted with very soft springs so the buffers are moving as soon as they touch. I remember we all used to use very soft black sponge plugs to fit into the corridor connectors, to hide the gap completly. There was an article in the 60's in the magazine Modal Railway News on how to make and dress the outside of the plug to look like a bellow's connector. Still it keeps us in our bubbles. Next week I might put my toe outside the front door. Cheers, Chris Perry.
I’m pleased that you found it interesting Chris. I will work on the gap between coaches passenger access, once I’ve sorted the couplings.
Hello Charlie,no....not here to knock you this time! A very incisive addition to your videos..I like many others bought a lot of Mr.Keens couplings for a previous layout and found they work very well indeed not only on RTR but a three set brass kit rake of Southern coaching stock-a real bugger to fit,but in the end,got em! I too go with you on the 'HUNT' ones and will refit all my rolling stock with them.Thanks once more for an hours worth of good, interesting entertainment.Best wishes,Larry in Gloucester.
What a heart warming comment Larry.
Couplings, here in the UK, are a real pain for this hobby.
Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Great video, some really good info for me and my rolling stock, thank you. I use Fleischmann Profi & Roco couplings, I agree with you those Hornby HST couplings are horrendous! I would be interested if you ever looked at adding coach bellows as well...perhaps a future vid...!?
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and yes I will be looking at some bellows in the future
Nice to see you using something I did a year ago with the Bachmann Pipe couplers.👍
Very cool answer Mike.
I was looking forward to you putting up a video on these after asking you a little while ago. Thank you, great video, great advice as always...stay well
I am so pleased that you enjoyed it Simon.
Hi Charlie
Many thanks for the reply, it looks like a batch of 3 wagons is the answer.
A good plan Michael.
I love watching your videos, and you’re probably my favourite channel I choose to watch. I would like to see more videos relating on the progress of your layout rather than renumbering locomotives and getting disappointed with the distance between your wagons. Saying that I would like it if you did a video on track cleaning as it would be really interesting to know what you use, and why. Kind regards Ian’s I I
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the videos Ian. If you look for McKinley Railway on RUclips they’ve recently produced a video on track cleaning.
That’s the problem, everyone has a different opinion in what to use, or what not to use regarding abrasives, chemicals, and different type of rail v
Brilliant video Charlie
Think Gibs Onethirty sums it up well - Kadees are my preferred couplings because of the 'Hands Free' operation and push shunting....
Keep up the excellent work, stay safe & well..........
Regards, Nigel at west hatton model railway.
Thanks Nigel, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
I model N gauge and regularly use the buck eye couplings sold by Fleischmann. Fleischmasnn also sell couplings that let you convert others wagons that don’e have the NEM type socket
We also do Hunt Couplings For N gauge - link in description
Thanks Chris
Very interesting Charlie, thank you as this gives me additional options to look at 😊.
Here to please Paul
Great video Charlie, I have used the home made magnet on the cut pipe system for about 5 years now on most of my coach stock, occasionally it comes out of the fiddle yard a couple of coaches short of a rake but rarely, and it’s cheap and looks right. I would not use it for rakes of more than 9 coaches though.
Thanks for the reassuring comment. Regards Charlie.
Morning Charlie, on the 'Hunt' Couplings, did you discover the modifrication made to the Hose pipe coupling to the effect that the contacting faces 'ROTATE' to suit the magnetism of each coupling to hold and not repel. I think they are around 19 GBP bag for HST /Close Coupling. When this Lockdown Lunacy is over I'll be looking at an order. I had the same problem with not enough hold on the magnets I got (1mm) 100 of them so I turned them into MU Cables, glued one to the loco connecter point and one each of a fine Orange wire about an inch long. looks good and took care of surplus stock
Yes Wayne the Hunt Couplings are a useful asset. However on my helix the close couplings do present problems on the inner track. Regards Charlie
I wonder, I don't have Helixes down here, (sorry, just one, in the middle of the North Island), I have an idea, if your couplings a letting go on the inside of the helix, it could be that the heads of the coupling are not TWISTING in relation to the two coaches. Got an idea that might work? cut the coupling off the shank, the 'face-up' the two surfaces, drill down the centre of the shaft so that the head/knuckle swivels. It's going to take a bit of experimental strength testing. pinhead in knuckle jaws and rest of pin down shaft, when everything is working, heat end of pin with soldering iron to fix in place n the shaft and the head swivels. Necessity is the mother of convenience or something similar...I'll let you know
Can NEM Couplings fit inside gear boxes that horn hooks or knuckle couplers swivel inside of?
Example: I have some old rolling stock that has gear boxes built into the frames or the bogies and was wondering if a NEM coupling would fit inside there and click into place on the other side, or would I need a NEM gear box specifically? I'm trying to get a tension lock style train from Bachmann to work with kadee rolling stock and am having an extreme amount of trouble trying to problem solve this coupling issue.
I’m sorry you’re not having much success, but welcome to my world. Yes it’s a nightmare, regards Charlie
It must be Friday, great video again Charlie thanks
Thanks Iain I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Really good idea numbering videos!
Thanks mate.
Very interesting video! Thanks for sharing Charlie!! Cheers Onno.
It’s great to know you’re still out there Onno.
Fantastic video been looking forward to it .those shapeways are amazing and as you ve shown they will last . Ps since u numbered the videos I ve now watched them all lol
Well done Winston. You’ve completed the mammoth task of watching them all, I salute you.
Interesting video, thanks Charlie
Glad you enjoyed it Neal.
Hi Charlie just watched your video on couplings I have got mainly tension lock but have got 2 different liveries of Bachmann mk2 coaches with the vacuum pipe ones but for my mk2 Bachmann I might try the hunt magnetic as they look so much better and I might even eventually try them on my hst’s if you don’t mind me asking where did you purchase the hunt couplings from my Friday night RUclips viewing sorted with coffee jammie dodgers and chadwick
Best wishes
Kev Beighton Parkway
Just search on RUclips for Hunt Couplings, or West wagon works. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, great video as usual. I have used the Bachman pipe couplings and neomagnets as you used. Never thought of doing what you did with them. The hunt coupling magnets look to have a larger surface area which is possibly why they have more attraction. Anyway, I run 6 coach sets so will try your idea.
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Christopher, good luck with your project.
I switched my Bachmann MK 1 & 2s to Keen but only because it puts the NEM at the correct height and then I used Kadees for all my stock. I use those 3d printed NEM boxes on my 4 wheeled wagon stock either on the old Hornby wagons or the Mainline/Bachmann wagons. They seem to work quite well. I will be getting the Hunt couplings for my HST sets as they seem a good compromise.
Hi Scott, I have spoken with Chris Hunt from Hunt Couplings and he is going to manufacture me some shorter HST couplings, for me to trial. So wait until I try them before you buy. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway cheers for the info, I look forward to your review of them.
A company I worked for years ago used neodymium rare-earth magnets for water treatment. A larger size than you are experimenting with. They came with a warning, as they were so strong you could physically get injured if you caught your finger or hand between two magnets. Mighty powerful things.
But great for the modeller Neil.
Hi Charlie, I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this but I think if you're going down the route of semi-permanently coupled rakes, you could definitely get away with real miniature chain and brass hooks. Obviously more fidely and time consuming but they stay together very well and can easily adapt to imperfections and undulations in the track. Also, it allows you to keep the existing NEM pockets on the wagons, maybe the first and last in the train retaining original coupling to connect to locos.The main reason though is of course the looks - I don't think anything else compares for me.
An interesting point Otis and one that I shall certainly consider.
Regards Charlie.
I’ve gone with the hunt couplings and as they update their designs these have got closer so great results with HST close couplings though on the engines, one was loose due to tolerance discrepancies in the manufacturing. It did also catch part of the undercarriage so a little filing did the trick and this was reported to West Hill Wagon Works who were very obliging and sent me a couple more on my next order. Not as much luck with the hornby freight single screw on tension lock replacement types. The hole wasn’t a big enough diameter for the screw and trying to take this out about 0.2mm bigger resulted in it breaking through the surrounding material on two occasions. I was promised an updated product version foc but, that hasn’t happened despite two emails without a response, which is a shame. Loved your narration and video tutorial on the McKinley Railway shunters btw with the kadee cotton motorised uncoupling assembly with ESU programming. Dedication indeed and such a beautiful result.
I'm with you on this one Andy. My HST has never looked better and I have removed all of my Keen Couplings from my Mk2 sets. Regards Charlie
Thanks for another great video. An alternative coupling mechanism is the German Ribu system It consists of a KKK box with adjustable height mounted NEM box. (The KKK is Kurzkupplingkinematic, not the US version!)
The box simply is glued to the chassis, great for Hornby coaches with bogie mounted couplings removed. Priced a little high but they work well.
An interesting option Frank, many thanks, regards Charlie
Have you tried the Hornby magnetic couplers ? From what I can see on photos there are two magnets each side which I assume will eliminate the rejection problem. And a problem WILL arise if a return loop is on the layout and consists are spilt in either direction.
Yes GC, I have used them. Please check out my video number 217.
Hi Charlie, great video for magnet issues i.e north,north,south,south redling each other if you use a ball magnet on
one end of a a coupling it will stick to the north or south poles oand even each other and offers some compliance.
On the test you did at the end the failiure was more that rotationanl force through the coupling rather tha a streight pull which is not (prototypical) oops
I do understand that the test was not fair because it wasn’t a straight pull. However, it was a fair test after all because that was she are putting pressure. And what I’ve written doesn’t make any sense at all!
Charlie - Have you tried using a kinetic coupling ROCO 40344 (cheaper on ebay) for a coach or wagon conversion. I have successfully done this on my H0 coaches but wouldn't know what's involved in converting 00 coaches - with the tension coupling.
No I’m afraid not. I am considering converting many of my coach racks to Hunt Couplings. They make attaching and building rakes very easy.
I use the bachmann dmu couplers .they are similar to the continental type model couplers they are smaller profile,they couple closer for better scale distance and are easier to uncouple with a hand uncoupler such as a thin piece of hooked wire or a bamboo skewer with a notch cut in .they are approx 10 quid for pack of 10 which is a lot of money but they work well .
Good point M.
Hi Charlie. Your homemade magnetic coupling will always fail first as the force being applied is vertical not horizontal (watch the coupling as the pull apart, the magnet lifts before separating). The hunt couplings line up perfectly with the strongest force of the magnet - horizontal.
I did realise that Rodney. However, I still wanted to win, but sadly that wasn’t to be.
Ok, help an old daft Yank's memory out, in the 1:1 units, is one buffer fixed, and the other one on a coil volute spring Or is that something that varies wildly depending on era, type of rolling stock, etc.?
Your second guess was right. They are very incredibly depending on age and rolling stock type.
Always interesting Charlie. Thank you.
Thanks Greg.
I agree with Human[c]ity Junction Model Railroad. Most modelers here in the US use Kadee's, and I am no exception. Sherrie
I’m with you on this one Sherrie.
Thanks Charlie another informative vid.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Clive.
🤔I couldn't find those pipe couplers anywhere on the internet would you happen to have a link for them, great video by the way 👍
Yes, they’re available from the website called James train parts. Then shop, then couplings.
Regards, Charlie
You brits seem to be spoiled by choice but not quality or function. Kadees are by far the best. Another in depth, informative and entertaining video, well done sir!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Our choice of couplings are a nightmare.
Hi Charlie,
I use kadee couplings on everything. That said I do model Australian outline. Have you like looked at there scale head sized kadee’s?
Cheers,
Bill (from down under)
I don’t believe I have the bill. Do you have the part number,?. Regards, Charlie
im going with your prototype charlie, Bachmann pipe with earth magnets, as i have the bachmann pipes in my shed and the earth magnet arrive the other day, what glue did you use ? but also i believe the hunt hst couplings will fit hornbys mk2d coaches too, which i have a few of ,so ill give one coach a home made effort ,if unsuccessful hunts it will be as i think magnets is the way to go.
another great and informative video.............tony
Hi WR, I used Deluxe, Rocket Max, Thick Cyno Glue. let it dry overnight.
Me too...having just bought a load of those couplings will give this a go with the magnets, great idea thanks Charlie
Very interesting. Wondering if you would have seen a NEM extender that gets left on a individual cars? A short plug male/female, that just extends the length on one car? The issue I have is with Fleischmann cars and engines going around some curves with the bumpers coming into contact on the inside of the curve and lifting the inner wheels off the track. This happens only with certain combinations of cars and engines but is consistent to their use. The next step would be to dissect two dozen couplers to insert spacing plugs. Thoughts? Ideas? PM
Yes Patrick, buffer clash can be a real problem on tight curves.
However, I have never heard of a system of extending the NEM coupler. Clearly a coupling with a longer shaft is what is required or perhaps shortening of the buffer stocks. Regards Charlie
G'Day Charlie. Mate what can I say, its a bloody minefield when it comes to couplings. Well presented as always, thanks.
I think that is why I just stick to the one type, which is of course Kadee's. Yep even on coaches, to me its more about the reliability as well as the versatility of Kadee couplings. So far I've not seen another system that can allow the operator to uncouple and re-couple rolling stock at will on the layout without involving the "Hand of God" somwhere. At least with the kadee system you can use perma-magnets (or the electro) under the track anywhere you like and not even see where you have installed them (except for where you "Sign Post" your uncoupling spot). Or you can even go the rout like McKinley has with the "Auto coupling" with Kadee's. Can't say the same for the rest of them though.
You make a good point G130, KDS are certainly my choice whenever I need a freight solution.
The more I see on shapeways, the more impressed I am. I also build military models and 3D printing is a game changer. Shapeways is a great alternative for plastic parts until I can learn Autocad Fusion 360 well enough to reliably design my own products.
They do look the part W46
Good video. It's where you pulled the carriages from that affected the uncoupling.
I’ve re-done it But the outcome was the same David.
Great upload Charlie very informative
Thanks Dave, stay safe.
Hi Charlie, great watchable video as always, I know you are more of a modern image modeller than me but Hornby do make kinematic couplers on the Maunsell coach stock. Hornby provide Roco couplers as well as tension lock for each coach and I've found that they work quite well, easy to split up just by lifting vertically. Cheers stay safe.
Thanks Chris, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Couplings remain a nightmare. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie. Just to advise that if your site doesn't register all of the 'hits' from people watching, at least here in Canada, I watch your videos via our apple t.v. RUclips is included on their streaming device, but as far as I have determined, I cannot add any comments or click on any icons while watching on my t.v. set. (only on my computer). I do enjoy your self deprecating sense of humour , but you have provided many great ideas. One of your videos was regarding ballasting and sound transmission through the baseboard. Articles in Model Railroader mentions artists' polymer matte medium as it lasts longer than diluted white glue and gives some flexibility to the track and ballast while some sound deadening qualities . However like many things, there seems to be pros and cons when choosing it over white glue (including the best way to remove it if necessary). Cheers. Ed.
However you watch it, I'm so pleased that you enjoy it Ed.
I have seen these pockets but most of my stock is old and I do not have any nem pockets. Have you done a video to convert to nem pockets from tension lock couplings and who is the company selling hunt couplings please
Hi Bill, the company selling the couplings are called Hunt Couplings and there is a link in the show more tab below the video. Also, you can buy NEM pockets on eBay to convert earlier wagons.
Chadwick Model Railway thanks for the information it will help unfortunately most of my stock is old and to be honest at the prices are a bit to high for my pocket so it is time to make and mend thanks again
Love your down to earth videos, all my coaching stock is 1980s/early 1990s mainly Mainline & Airfix so living in Christchurch New Zealand it is very hard to find anything to replace the existing tension couplings, so you have to just suck it up! Kadee is about £7.50 a pack.
The prices today Alan are clearly shocking. Good luck with your layout. Regards Charlie.
Hi Charlie. Another great and informative video as usual, and my first comment to you too. Regarding the Modal (4)couplings I think these may designed for use on the Modern container wagons which run in fixed formations, and the 'inner' wagons have no buffers to lock. Just a theory as I have none. I'm currently experimenting with Hunt couplings and find they can be used for selective purposes i.e fixed rakes and quick to uncouple when required. Also although A & B markings are small to see, you'll find the 'A's are coloured Gold & the 'B's Silver. Hope this helps people.
I too believe that these couplings have great potential. I hadn't noticed to colours though Brian.
Interesting video.
I think Lego nailed it with their coupling system with a rotating magnet, no worry about getting the poles right.
👍👍
Good point Stig.
Hi Charlie. Another great video, unlike you I suspected that the rare earth magnets would come a close second. I run up to 12 coach trains using that method but if the engine jerks in afraid that it isn't unusual to have a division. On my HST I'm using Kadee couplings albeit superglued in place. As I don't want to 'shunt' my HST I cut off the auto coupling rods. As an aside, I was surprised to see that you have buffers on your Mk 3 coaches. Then I looked at mine ......... That's a job for this afternoon then!
1952TonyC Is it not true that the Mk3 on the HST have no buffers, but those that are loco hauled do have the buffers? Makes buffer clash easier to avoid on HST sets, of course, as it’s only the corridor that touches. Not the colour of the corridor made the gap more noticeable, hence the need for black. And a small foam filler to stop light leak?
I have spoken with Chris Hunt this afternoon. The owner of Hunt Couplings. He is going to send me another set of HST couplings with a smaller gap between coaches. My gap was 4 mm and he intends to reduce it to 2. I’ll keep you posted Tony.
Hi Tom, you are of course right there were no buses on HST coaches and I ought to get off my lazy backside and remove mine.
Tom Lawton, you know what annoys me? I used to know the difference between the various coaches and particularly between mk3 and mk3a, blessed if can remember now! In any event. BR (W) HSTs certainly has no buffers either on coaches or power cars.
Thanks, Charlie, a detailed analysis. What are the forces during buffer-clash compared to the Hunt Coupling? Is there any mileage in having a spring on the Hunt to allow it to be closer than worst case requires, which makes it better for normal and nominal cases. And as to why your coupling was weaker than the Hunt version; firstly, accuracy of the 90• may mean your contact was not as square (hence binding over the whole area). Second is similar; your rod was an arc segment, so when pulled caused the mating surface to deviate from 90•, whereas the hunt version was straight. But interesting to compare, especially as you could chose to make your own to fit your curves, stock and expectations, rather than the Hunt version where two sizes fits all. (BTW, do they do a close couple HST set, which may improve your reported gap?). Finally, I wonder about three link couplings where the instanter lump is the magnets, but the basic link hangs free when not connected. Optimal appearance, close coupling, and if the link is made of springy metal, reduces the impact of buffer clash. All thoughts and royalties gratefully accepted!
I spoke with Chris Hunt yesterday, of Hunt Couplings.
He will supply me with a set with different tolerances for me to trial.
Fingers crossed Tom.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Charlie, update.
How much does the Hunt coupling rely on two magnets linking together, or would one magnet link to the metal of older tension locks (including the old Triang open loop and hook) You will have seen the new combined Hunt couplings, where the Hunt has a loop for the hook to grab; my thoughts came from the magnet part of the Hunt, which might provide good linking without the hook, if the D is metal. (ntersting; in case of buffer clash, the magent could release, and the hook keep the train linked; after a moment, chances are the magnet would recover link...
Regards,
Tom
I use the Fleischmann Profi couplings. Rolling stock with NEM-short coupling pockets only. Looking sort of OK, technical, not actually realistic and even perhaps a bit agricultural. But they do the job well, carriages can be lifted out of a train like with KaDee's. Uncoupling is mechanical, plastic, no magnetic touch to it. Cheap, I have lots of loco's and carriages. Yet, this is for the continental trains. For the fewer British stuff I have ( Smaller lay out ) I'm considering Kadee. Partly because of your vid on these. Looking great, curious to see how they work for me.
I’m pleased that you found a solution to this dreadful situation. These wretched UK couplings are a nightmare. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie good video once again just one point buffer lock happens with reverse where a vehicle passes over a curve in one direction and then immediately there is a refresh curve in the opposite direction allowing one buffer to move around the opposite one and lock up. This can occur in the 1:1 world and minimum. Radius are specified in the track Design handbook to avoid this issue. Would not be on the mainline but in sidings and depots
A great point Gary, I always seem to forget about the point crossovers for buffer lock.
It's so darned complicated. Even on this side of the pond, we've been besieged by different takes on the Kadee standard. And none seem to improve on the Kadee. I understand that the Kadee coupler doesn't really conform with either the look or the function of European version, but there seems to be tons of possible solutions. Good job, Charlie.
The couplings nightmare continues Pat.
The Kadee company was started by 2 brothers. Some time during my break in the Hobby Kadee split one brother kept Kadee (the larger scales). The other took N and Z scales. They still aren’t cheap. But when all the cars you buy have them you are given no choice. Rail on my friend.
Good info, thanks Ken.
Great program learning a lot 10:06
Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie another great video mate I have stared work on my models of BR mk2c tso converting them from old lima mk2b and also building working colour light gantrys I really enjoyed the video mate stay safe and well mate goodbye for now clive
Thanks Clive, it’s great to have you on board and I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos. Regards Charlie
Charlie, all prices are going up. I do not like up the way manufacturers are making 'hay' in the present situation. Brilliant article again.
You’re dead right Nigel. Even Peco points have increased in price considerably. Perhaps now is the time to sell off your old stock on eBay!
Hi. Hornby Maunsell coaches come with the kinematic system and the Roco style Close couplings. You can also mix one Hornby with one Roco to get them even closer. Why didn’t you cover the Roco couplings?
As I replied to your other video I love the Shapeways couplings on wagons.
Keep safe Alec
Hi Alec, I left off those couplings as so few people use them here, sorry mate.
@@ChadwickModelRailway With the height difference between some of those coupler heads that's no surprise, as all euro close couplers allow lifting the wagons out of the consist. Any height difference outside tolerances will result in unplanned decoupling
Great videos as normal Charlie 👍 stay safe
U2 class 50
As someone who models continental trains this is fascinating. Continental manufacturers have been fitting kinematic close coupling and NEM boxes to their freight and passenger cars for decades. The oldest example I have in my collection dates from 1973. And the couplings on that model are also power conducting for interior lighting and direction changing head and tail lights.
Marklin, Roco and Fleishman all sell couplings which are better than Kaydee and any make of coupling will fit any make of rolling stock using standardized NEM boxes. But the couplings from each manufacturer are different so you have to fit the same to each wagon or coach. But they all couple or uncouple easily, although they are designed to stay together over bad points. Fleishman style couplings are also available from Viessman in a power conducting configuration which will still couple with the ordinary ones. Even the power conducting ones couple or uncouple easily without having to leave rolling stock permanently attached.
I believe Hornby sold a knockoff of Roco couplings for a while at an inflated price. I don't know if they still do. I tried them on a rake of Hornby coaches with kinetic close coupling from the factory but Hornby had not worked out the distances properly and they didn't work, derailing the coaches on curves. I never have that issue with continental rolling stock because they do their math properly.
Personally I use Fleishman and Viessman couplings as they are sturdier and stay coupled better over bad track.
A very informative comment, many thanks, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, Thank you for an informative video... However, despite your best efforts, I will probably carry on using tension lock couplings as I find them cheap to buy (secondhand), easy to fit and very reliable. I don't much like NEM pockets but am stuck with a few newer wagons on which they are fitted...Most of my rolling stock being thirty to forty years old and came with my favorite couplings fitted as srandard. I am thinking about Spratt and Winkle, but probably will not make the change now.
Sometimes we are where we are with couplings. Good luck with your layout regards Charlie
another great video. i have a mixed relationship with couplings. i like the kadees, i have bought quite a few packs of sizes 17-20 with the nem fittings. not had the greatest luck with them, but some of that may be due in part to my dodgy track laying and using set track - a mistake that has since been rectified. i have yet to fit them to my new setup and test as i have a 3 year old....god help me. i was wondering if you had much luck with kadees and backmann mk2s? - i find some bachmann locos 37,47 etc have rubbish nem socket heights.
Hi Phil, my Bachman mark twos are only fitted with Hunt Couplings or Keane couplings. That was a good move by you to get away from set track.
I've got one of the Hunt couplings close coupling pack ... looks the dogs on my rake of Hornby Mk2s, and also bought the pack especially for Oxford Rail Mk3s, not fitted those yet though... I would love to see how a rake behaves on 3rd radius curves as I haven't finished my layout yet ... if you happened to be sending your Mk3s around your layout and your camera was out ... hint hint 😁
Hi Dave, I did that a couple of videos ago. My Hornby HST set has the Hunt Couplings fitted. Hope that helps, regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Nice one Charlie .. ill have a gander 👍👍
with magnetic couplings, what happens if you have magnet operated reed switches on your, probably more analog railway? do the magnets have a negative effect? If you could, rather than use magnets, what would happen if they were electro magnetic, so for shunting the magnet would be turned off, for running it'd be on
I have heard of no issues with magnetic operated red switches. However, for shunting I tend to use a mixture of electro magnets and fixed magnets in the track. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, if the Hunts couplings still look too far apart, why not cut a bit out of each coupling then glue them back together, to adjust the distance between the coaches.?
A good point but Hunt Couplings are going to make me a shorter set to trial.
Brilliant! That’s what we need, a manufacturer that listens!👍
Excellent video explaining about couplers. Not trying to sound to bad, what do you mean by “first radius curve”? You did a great job showing how things work. Thanks for sharing. Ken
Peco/Hornby make four different set-track radius curves. First radius is the tightist with a radius of 371mm / 14 5/8 inches
Thanks for that info.
Another excellent video review. I remember seeing the 3 link coupling video and thinking they looked amazing. I have operated exhibition layouts with sprat and winkle couplings and they are ideal for shunting wagons with strategic magnets placed in the track.
Keen couplings I've experienced are very good, a bit fiddly to get spot on but worth it in the end.
The kadee couplings are probably the best prototypical looking and with a vast variety available, there is something for most needs.
I'm glad you fitted a set of Hunt (careful how you say that) couplings to a HST. I was going to get a few sets but I won't bother now. A note on the HST though, the new mk3s have nem pockets wether that would make any difference......
Thanks again
Actually Hunt Couplings now make couplings which fit HST NEM pockets
This is great..I found it difficult in older trains that in reverse, they tend to push off the track on corners...
David Sheriff I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
Another good overview of the minefield of couplings.
The hunt couplings look a good product, especially with the new elite version.
For us finescale modellers as well as the Spratt and winkle, there's a few others such as dingham (my choice probably), dg and Alex Jackson. As well as of course functional 3link and screw couplings which some favour.
Regardless of what you model be it fine or otherwise, it will always to some extent be a personal choice between ease of use and cost. I will probably use the hunt couplings on units (though I do wish they'd made the look more akin to buckeye or shefenberg types as used on the railway.
An interesting comment, many thanks.Yes the Hunt Couplings are very attractive when compared with our dreadful standard alternative. If only the manufacturers could form a coalition and find a way forward on this one.
Hi Carlie
Would it be easy to cut the end off of the hunt coupling on the HST coach, shorten the shaft and re stick the magnet back on.
thanks for another very informative vidio
Good point Derek but Hunt Couplings are going to make some smaller ones for me to test.
@@ChadwickModelRailway, Hi Charlie, I look forward to your test vid.
Are the D G couplings still avaliable,( i made some years ago,I am returning to my layout in my loft after being too bizzy to find time to play trains.) bit of a fiddle to make but I think they are werth the effort for 4 wheel wagons.
Hi mate, any chance of a link for the shapeways 3links? Cheers, Ben
Sorry Ben, ask Uncle Google.
I did look but there's quite a few on there, think I found the ones but wasn't 100% sure.