Couplings

"Paul" wrote

Minitrains (Kadees) couplings are the only viable alternative, but they're not readily available - you'll have to go specialist suppliers of American N-scale trains.

John.

Paul,

Maybe Ni=gel Cliffe can jump in and add further information, But I remember using an etched brass coupling for N scale many years ago, produced by mike Bryant, IIRC. This was a small version of the Sprat & Winkle style hook and bar coupler which also incorporated a buffing bar on the hook. I remember it working quite well with magnetic operation and the action was very light which meant that it woudl operate with lightweight N scale stock without lifting them off the rails like the traditional Arnold design would do.

I don't know if these couplers still exist these days, but they were certainly a lot cheaper per wagon that the Kadee (later Microtrains) knuckle couplings.

Jim.

In message , John Turner writes

Actually it's Micro-trains, and they have a web site at

Edited version of a posting I made 18 months ago:

Magnetic operation, electro-magnet below baseboard:

MBMs. Designed by Mike Bryant about 25-30 years ago, upside-down tension lock with magnetic operation. Available from N gauge society. I sugggest they are an obselete design. Fine if you're using them already, but I'd suggest there are better options for someone starting to convert stock.

Magnetic operation, with delayed action: (ie. can propel a wagon along a siding and it stays uncoupled).

Microtrains. (Use the right term or the company's tend to get upset :-) Kadee for larger scales, Microtrains for smaller ones). American "knuckle" coupler design, so looks good on stock which should use knuckle couplers. Available in numerous variations (unfortunately makers website no longer shows all the combinations, instead concentrates on their four-wheeled bogies which are very useful to US modellers, but limited application to most UK modellers). Mostly reliable if setup correctly. Sometimes necessary to do the "microtrains shuffle" to make them uncouple, though can be dealt with if one uses movable or electromagnets rather than fixed magnets. Electromagnets are expensive, though there are DIY ways of making them. Static magnets for N fit above the sleeperbase, though you can use the O-gauge Kadee magnets below Peco track (with thin card between magnet and sleepers).

BB. Fold up black etch, see picture here:

DG. Available in numerous scales, including 2mm. Similar to the BB, but uses a metal loop wire. A bit neater than the BB, but a fraction harder to assemble. BB and DG interwork. Operates from a simple electromagnet below baseboard. Available from 2mm Scale Association and a handful of specialist retailers.

Electra. Yet another delayed uncoupler. Sort of mechanical weight rather than sprung wire Alex Jackson, again "roll your own". A few people use them in 2mm finescale.

MFK. Not automatic, but operated by a hand-held magnet above the vehicle. Amazing to watch, the models have "three-link" style buffering when a train moves off or is backed up. Currently only available in a size for European stock, where the buffer shanks seem longer than UK models. Thus, were you to use it on a UK model, the gap between vehicles is too big. The maker and designer might do a UK variation if there were sufficient interest.

And there's always working three-link. I know a few people who use them.

- Nigel

Only commercially massed produce alternative. Several "small cottage industry" options.

- Nigel

"Jane Sullivan" wrote

I knew it didn't look right when I typed it, but was buggered if I could think of the correct name. Thanks for putting me right! ;-)

John.