I bought a length of scale chain from a model boat store. After snipping off a 3-link length of the chain, I shaped another single link into a hook shape using two pairs of long-nosed pliers to grip it, then bored a fine slightly undersized hole in in the centre of the wagon's cross member and dipped the straight end of the hook in glue and holding it with pliers, twisted it back and forth and screwed it into the hole. Then threaded one end of the 3-link chain over the hook and slid it back against where it protrudes from the wagon cross member and glued that link so the chain hung down. So far, I've used this coupling on my O Gauge stock and it doesn't ever become uncoupled when running. It looks authentic too. I'll try the same method on my OO scale layout next using a slightly smaller chain.
This is brilliant!!! Sadly for me it's impossible to buy slater's or smith's 3 link couplings so i make my own chains for rolling stock out of bended and cutting staples into link shape with a pair of tweezers. They actually are functionable for pulling! But the process can be very hard sometimes by getting just the right size so the link isn't too large to drag on the sleepers
Thanks for this as I thought it was me that thinks this is a PITA. I dont bother with the springs and just use superglue. Your tip on twisting the links is so obvious to open them...thanks for that.I just connect 2-4 wagons in a fixed rake with spratt and winkles in between mini rakes
Thanks for the video! It was a great help.
perhaps if you use a heated small flat screwdriver to make a slot instead of a hole it would be better
I bought a length of scale chain from a model boat store. After snipping off a 3-link length of the chain, I shaped another single link into a hook shape using two pairs of long-nosed pliers to grip it, then bored a fine slightly undersized hole in in the centre of the wagon's cross member and dipped the straight end of the hook in glue and holding it with pliers, twisted it back and forth and screwed it into the hole. Then threaded one end of the 3-link chain over the hook and slid it back against where it protrudes from the wagon cross member and glued that link so the chain hung down. So far, I've used this coupling on my O Gauge stock and it doesn't ever become uncoupled when running. It looks authentic too. I'll try the same method on my OO scale layout next using a slightly smaller chain.
This is brilliant!!! Sadly for me it's impossible to buy slater's or smith's 3 link couplings so i make my own chains for rolling stock out of bended and cutting staples into link shape with a pair of tweezers. They actually are functionable for pulling! But the process can be very hard sometimes by getting just the right size so the link isn't too large to drag on the sleepers
Excellent. Top marks for persaverance and very encouraging.
When start doing this measure the hook side ways digital capliers then you drill it with the right size drill so get it right not with a hot iron
Thanks for this as I thought it was me that thinks this is a PITA. I dont bother with the springs and just use superglue. Your tip on twisting the links is so obvious to open them...thanks for that.I just connect 2-4 wagons in a fixed rake with spratt and winkles in between mini rakes
Glad to off help Paul.. Many thanks for the comment. Regards Dan
Very informative - I think I can put up with the fiddly bits because I only have a tiny shunting layout with a handful of wagons.
would it be possible for you to assemble the chain-link coupling to the hook first, then assemble it to the spring?
Why don’t you assemble the three links first before you attach them to the wagon?
Dan have you tried using a chemical blackener rather than painting them?