Preview of upcoming MTL True-Scale Coupler system

[wcfn100]

As Joe stated, these are incompatible with any existing N scale knuckle coupler

Does that include the LEZ coupler?

The LEZ coupler requires a bit of force to couple as well so that's no big deal for me.


Jason

[ednadolski]

@Shipsure, any chance of getting a few of these beta parts?  I would love to try installing these in some of my locos.

Thanks,
Ed

[tom mann]

If we are in the beta testing phase, I would like some too.  I can run them on the 8.5" minimum radius Unitrack layout I have.

[Missaberoad]

They are supposed to be released next month guys lol

[Maletrain]

I don't really understand the urge to use these things for short coupling of locos/cars that will rarely be uncoupled.

Red Caboose non-operating knuckle couplers, the short-shank version, have worked well for me for those purposes.  And, with the cars close-coupled, the size of the couplers is not so much of a visual issue for me.

On the other hand, for photogenic purposes, I have actually been thinking of putting non-functioning scale couplers on the visible ends of cabooses and passsenger observation cars, and just not switching those.

But, I like switching my freight trains, and need to be able to connect to either end of my cabooses.

So, these couplers, to me, offer the ability to make a large improvement in appearance for a small (I hope) loss in ease of use for cars that often have exposed ends because they are swithced around a lot. 

But, their incompatibility with my existing couplers makes switching-over a big step, both for my own use with lots of cars and locos, and also with potential resale value of the cars, once I go to build the big layout in the sky and my wife needs to divest my earthly empire.

[robert3985]

I'm pretty excited about these!  I'd also prefer them to be offered in a prototype, weathered color...either brown or a medium, warm gray....or both!  If you can get the shininess toned down too...that would be great.

No black please,  if prototype appearance is what MTL is shooting for.  I'd rather paint the few couplers that should be black, than paint the hundreds which should be weathered.  Then, when the black wears off from use, they'll look even more prototypical!

Since I've been pretty happy with MTL Z-scale couplers for years, these are much nicer.  I see no reason for them to be compatible with present knuckle couplers, as Kadees weren't compatible with NMRA "hook-horn" couplers when introduced, nor in N-scale were they compatible with Rapido couplers.  A couple of transition cars are easy to make, and I've done it before when converting everything to N-scale & Z-scale couplers from Rapidos.

However, I know from practical experience that your Z-scale couplers WILL couple with scale dummy couplers...just not easily.  I'm sure that will be the case with these too.

I'll be converting the entire fleet...quickly!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[robert3985]

Hey guys, I’ve attached a few posed shots of our new N Scale, True-Scale Coupler system we are getting ready to introduce soon.  These are designed to be alternative used by modelers looking for a more prototypical looking coupler with scale distances between cars.  Easy to assemble and install they are great for modelers running consists at shows, MU-ing locomotives together without having to use unrealistic drawbars and for those who are not using magnetic uncoupling.  They are scale size and consist of a draft gear box, lid, knuckle and lip shank and a separate plug in air hose and no springs.

These are designed as an accessory and stand alone coupler system.  They will not couple with existing N scale couplers because of their prototypical size and construction.  They are uncoupled manually using a sharp toothpick or a needle and can be joined by simply pushing the cars together.  These are body mount couplers using a box that is the same dimensions as our 1015 so any application that uses 1015’s will work.  I’ve successfully attached these to Atlas and Kato Locomotives with no problems.  We will be offering them in both standard length and an extended shank and draft gear box for longer cars.    These are scheduled to be available in package form this October.  Pricing will be available then.





Cheers   

Joe
MTL

Interestingly (for me, at least!), I took photos of two old Wilson reefers coupled up together a few years ago to both measure and illustrate the actual coupled distance between the carbodies.  The photo to illustrate the new MTL coupler reminded me of that photo, so I thought I'd publish a comparo.





42.5" is .266" in 1/160th scale.

These new MTL couplers look pretty damn good to me.  Even the placement of the airhose is close...at least for steel reefers!  By the way, the air hose is a nice touch...

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[johnb]

Well, that's what I was afraid of, and if that's truly he case, it will severely limit their use to coupling between engines and maybe some unit train or car block applications. A question for you Beta testers....if a single car won't couple, how many parked cars does it take for a reasonably realistic coupling?
Thanks, Otto K.

three of them worked well

[Mike C]

Any idea of a price yet ? I'm in for 50 sets !

[draskouasshat]

I'm most definitely in on these! I'll be converting my passenger fleet first. I'm thoroughly excited to try these out.

Adam Draskovich

[bbussey]

I don't really understand the urge to use these things for short coupling of locos/cars that will rarely be uncoupled.

Red Caboose non-operating knuckle couplers, the short-shank version, have worked well for me for those purposes.  And, with the cars close-coupled, the size of the couplers is not so much of a visual issue for me.

Because the Unimate/Red Caboose couplers are twice the size and are either truck-mounted or fixed if body-mounted.  The MTL True Scale couplers have lateral movement, are body-mounted, and the coupling distance is closer than the Unimates.

[robert3985]

The problem is that because of its shape and size, a close-to-scale coupler cannot couple to the existing N scale couplers. No way around that. We can't have a cake and eat it to.

Peter ( @peteski  ), depends on what you mean by "...cannot couple..." as this photo illustrates...


...and this one...


Nope, they don't couple by simply pushing together, but they DO couple...like Unimates.

Just sayin'

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[jmlaboda]

I'll be converting my passenger fleet first.

Joe... how will the heavyweight cars need to be mod'ed so that these new couplers will be able to be used?  Will the existing hole and coupler mounting pin be enough to mount these beauties on each end be sufficient?

[MichaelWinicki]

An intriguing product...

I'm looking forward to using them to close the gap between my IM F-units.

But as others have pointed out I don't think they're the answer for those of us that have layouts that feature a lot of switching. 

It sounds like THAT coupler system still needs to be developed.

[Maletrain]

"But as others have pointed out I don't think they're the answer for those of us that have layouts that feature a lot of switching.  It sounds like THAT coupler system still needs to be developed."

Not (yet?) sure that is really the case.  Iwant to see  how easily I can make them couple.  Polishing the slighly bevelled edge part of the knuckle, where two need to slip on each other to open the couplers to mate, might have a beneficial effect on ease of coupling.  But, that makes it even more important to make these in rust brown color, because paint on those same surfaces will probably make automatic coupling more difficult.