04-11-2011, 04:17 AM
Robert
Horn hook couplers may or may not work better. They certainly won't back as well (pushing). But aside from pushing, they tend to stay coupled quite well when properly adjusted. On most cars, the horn hooks were not properly adjusted, and tended to sag. The uncoupling pin would get caught in turnouts, causing derailments. The height mismatches caused occasional over- and under-runs. The built-in shelf would prevent the over- and under-running to the same extent of the knuckle couplers. But at the same time, the downward pressure on the shelf of a sagging partner could and did lead to derailments.
Which brings me to the question - what is causing knuckle couplers not to work for you? Is the swing too limited for your turns? Or are you experiencing over- and under-running due to sag? Are you using Kadee clones instead of Kadee couplers, where the knuckle "spring" often gives up?
British coaches are generally designed to run on less than 18" radius curves. American coaches are not, and many require more than 18". So more specifics would help us to help you. For 15" radius curves, you need to use "shorty" American coaches (scale 60ft or less). You may or may not need truck mounted couplers, but you will need long shank knuckle couplers. And a way to keep them from sagging.
my thoughts
Fred W
Horn hook couplers may or may not work better. They certainly won't back as well (pushing). But aside from pushing, they tend to stay coupled quite well when properly adjusted. On most cars, the horn hooks were not properly adjusted, and tended to sag. The uncoupling pin would get caught in turnouts, causing derailments. The height mismatches caused occasional over- and under-runs. The built-in shelf would prevent the over- and under-running to the same extent of the knuckle couplers. But at the same time, the downward pressure on the shelf of a sagging partner could and did lead to derailments.
Which brings me to the question - what is causing knuckle couplers not to work for you? Is the swing too limited for your turns? Or are you experiencing over- and under-running due to sag? Are you using Kadee clones instead of Kadee couplers, where the knuckle "spring" often gives up?
British coaches are generally designed to run on less than 18" radius curves. American coaches are not, and many require more than 18". So more specifics would help us to help you. For 15" radius curves, you need to use "shorty" American coaches (scale 60ft or less). You may or may not need truck mounted couplers, but you will need long shank knuckle couplers. And a way to keep them from sagging.
my thoughts
Fred W