AZL AutoLatch couplers

[Cajonpassfan]

If this has been covered before, forgive me. I ran a search and didn't see anything specific about the Z coupler by AZL.

AZL new product announcements include a reference to an AutoLatch coupler.
Has anyone here try to use the AZL coupler on an N scale model? Can these be obtained separately? I don't see them listed on the AZL website (other than pricy locomotive trucks with couplers). I sent an email inquiry to AZL, but so far, received no response. Has this been explored before? Seems like a natural...
Otto K.

[Chris333]

There is a thread somewhere on the Uncle Will Full Throttle Z scale couplers. I know not the same thing but.

[GaryHinshaw]

Hi Otto,

I have tried these couplers in N and they work fine.  There is an overly-long thread here with many of my experiments on Z scale couplers.  My first post on trying AZL's is here, and there are probably other posts in there, but I don't remember specifically.

I still have a few cars on my layout that have these couplers installed and they work fine in long trains and they mate well with Micro-Trains N scale couplers.  However, I don't think they are available separately, and I have since moved on to the "Lee English/Full Throttle" couplers with etched pockets that EdN and I developed.  I even prefer these to the new MT scale couplers, largely because they are compatible with other N couplers and (to me) the etched pockets look much better than the 1015 pockets.

-gfh

[ai5629]

I still have a few cars on my layout that have these couplers installed and they work fine in long trains and they mate well with Micro-Trains N scale couplers.  However, I don't think they are available separately, and I have since moved on to the "Lee English/Full Throttle" couplers with etched pockets that EdN and I developed.  I even prefer these to the new MT scale couplers, largely because they are compatible with other N couplers and (to me) the etched pockets look much better than the 1015 pockets.

Since you brought up the etched pockets, I missed out on the group buy when it was offered.  How would I go about getting my hands on some now?  Thank you.

Jeff

[jagged ben]

What about the latching is auto?  I take it these are not a new coupler, just the same AZL coupler as before.

[Cajonpassfan]

Hi Otto,

I have tried these couplers in N and they work fine.  There is an overly-long thread here with many of my experiments on Z scale couplers.  My first post on trying AZL's is here, and there are probably other posts in there, but I don't remember specifically.

I still have a few cars on my layout that have these couplers installed and they work fine in long trains and they mate well with Micro-Trains N scale couplers.  However, I don't think they are available separately, and I have since moved on to the "Lee English/Full Throttle" couplers with etched pockets that EdN and I developed.  I even prefer these to the new MT scale couplers, largely because they are compatible with other N couplers and (to me) the etched pockets look much better than the 1015 pockets.

-gfh

Thanks Gary, Chris, that great info. So the AZL's are not available separately (couplers only) nor are the FT's. Too bad,
it seems somebody is missing out on sales... Looking at your photos Gary, I agree the FT's are actually much better looking than the AZL's, that would be the preferred way for me to go also. Compatibility is a big part of that, but also, and this will sound strange, the MT Scale couplers are too scale  That is, while clearly more accurate, they don't feel right in the context of oversized rail, grabs, wheelsets, truck frames, and thus seem out of proportion in their context. I tried some and may still use a few for special installs, but my choice would be the FT if I could get my hands on enough of them.
Otto K.

[GaryHinshaw]

I think it is still possible to purchase the couplers in bulk directly from Lee English.  This post has information that was current at the time:

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=21980.msg324793#msg324793

I would contact Lee directly with an inquiry.  As for the pockets, I am likely to order a new run from PPD some time this year, so I can try to coordinate a bulk purchase when I do.  I'll need to confer with @ednadolski about some details.

I've had some of these couplers in service for many years now and they have really met all my needs.  I wish they weren't a one-off / boutique type of situation, but it is what it is.  And Otto, I know what you mean about the MT scale couplers: they feel too small to me too, even of they're not.  But the main driver for me is reliability - and to some extent compatibility with other couplers.  I don't have that confidence with the Tru-scale couplers, as much as I like the idea.

jb, I'm not sure what auto-latch refers to.  The AZL couplers do mate "automatically" (as do most couplers) and they stay coupled pretty well, but there doesn't seem to be anything especially unique about them.  They're perfectly fine couplers, except they look a bit funny and they're not available separately.

[ztrack]

Otto, hello! I did not see a question come through for you. How did you send an inquiry? I want to look into this.

It is correct that AZL does not offer the couplers separately. We are looking into eventually offering thee as a part, but do not do so at this time. I will mention to the owners of AZL that there is interest for these.

AZL developed the AutoLatch couplers for operators of long trains that did not want random uncoupling and the dreaded slinky effect we saw with other Z couplers. They definitely achieved that. The AZL couplers are compatible with couplers from MTL and Full-Throttle. The only different is MTL's are Magne-Matic.

Rob
Distributor for AZL

[Cajonpassfan]

Hello Rob,
thanks for the response. Appreciated.
I sent an inquiry to AZL about the AuoLatch through the business development link on their website.
As to demand, I don't *know* that there is any, as I know very little about them. I simply wanted to get my hands on some, see what they look like and test them in an N scale Environment. They may or may not be something useful for N scale. Now that I see photos that Gary was kind enough to post, I'm a bit less excited about their proportions. Still, nothing like having an actual coupler in hand to see and feel the product.
Thanks again for taking the time.

Hello Gary,
and thanks to you as well. I do like what you did with the Lee English coupler, and the results are beautiful, so I might yet consider going that way if it's still possible. But, I must admit I'm a bit intimidated by the notion of converting the whole and sizeable fleet. Between building a large layout, multitude of structures, kitbashing locos and converting them to DCC/sound, signals and wiring, and myriad other associated activity, I would really prefer not to add to my plate and take on yet another big project. But I can't stand looking at the long shanked oversized Accumates either
How long does it take to assemble the LE coupler in its etched box if one were to sit down and do a bunch at once?
Regards,
Otto