02-06-2014, 07:55 AM
This photo shows the long end of an old (left) and a new (right) Genset equipped with standard length Kadee couplers.
There are two small but important differences
1. The new platform is a fraction of a millimeter longer. There is less coupler visible on the right engine
2. The platform got an other shape while the hand rails kept a very similar shape. The old one (left) is square. The handrails are always over the platform. If the pushing engine touches the pushed one it will do it platform to platform. The recessed corners of the new one (pencil tip) force the handrail in curves into contact. That makes a nasty noise in #6 switches and leads to a derail in sharp curves. The long coupler is not of relevance because they will swing away if the second unit is pushing hard.
Only a stiff brass wire coupler can keep the overhanging handrails out of contact.
![[Image: IMG_3078_zpse2a96478.jpg]](http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae149/faraway52/Misc-3/IMG_3078_zpse2a96478.jpg)
There are two small but important differences
1. The new platform is a fraction of a millimeter longer. There is less coupler visible on the right engine
2. The platform got an other shape while the hand rails kept a very similar shape. The old one (left) is square. The handrails are always over the platform. If the pushing engine touches the pushed one it will do it platform to platform. The recessed corners of the new one (pencil tip) force the handrail in curves into contact. That makes a nasty noise in #6 switches and leads to a derail in sharp curves. The long coupler is not of relevance because they will swing away if the second unit is pushing hard.
Only a stiff brass wire coupler can keep the overhanging handrails out of contact.
Reinhard