Preview of upcoming MTL True-Scale Coupler system

[Bill H]

Group:
FWIW, I am seen slight rocking on fast tracks #5s in code 40. 40' MT boxcars, weighted to NMRA standards, FVM metal wheelsets, entire consist, excepting the test cars body mounted 1015. Looks like not quite enough swing in the coupler.

I am going to try taking 10 thousands off the inside next weekend and see if that helps.

Kind regards,
Bill

[chessie system fan]

Been experimenting trying to come up with a better, more prototypical pocket.  I discovered that the springs are the deciding factor.  If you go too narrow the coupler has trouble staying closed.  I'm wondering what would happen if the spring was moved farther back on the circle.  Right now it's towards the front. 

Here's a crude approximation of what I'm talking about:
___
      \
     O=C
      /
----

What if it was like this:
___
      \
        O=C
      /
----

It'd save some space, and every little bit helps here.

I also wonder how well it would do if it was thinned from ~0.025 or 0.030 to 0.015 or 0.020 thick.  Again a little makes a big difference here if you're going for as scale as possible (but still workable).

[Ngineer]

Does anybody have any hints and suggestions when to use the long shank couplers and when to use the short shank couplers?

Is there a correlation between car length and/or rail radii that determines which coupler should be used?

On a side note, what happened to the etched coupler pocket that was offered here a few years ago?

   Javier

[learmoia]

Does anybody have any hints and suggestions when to use the long shank couplers and when to use the short shank couplers?

Is there a correlation between car length and/or rail radii that determines which coupler should be used?

On a side note, what happened to the etched coupler pocket that was offered here a few years ago?

   Javier

At this point.. for longer cars (>60') or to simulate extended draft gear, long shank, otherwise short. 

Some newer MT cars with body mounts are designed with the 1016 pocket (like the air slide), so long shank.

Ed can speak on the coupler pockets... but I would call them 'in development'..

~Ian

[peteski]

Ed's etched coupler pockets were designed for Z scale coupler. They are not compatible with the MTL scale couplers.

[Ngineer]

At this point.. for longer cars (>60') or to simulate extended draft gear, long shank, otherwise short. 

Some newer MT cars with body mounts are designed with the 1016 pocket (like the air slide), so long shank.

Ian,

thanks for your advice.

   Javier

[ednadolski]

what happened to the etched coupler pocket that was offered here a few years ago?

That one was for the LEZ coupler, but I am working on some ideas for a pocket to fit the TSC:

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=40280.msg496633#msg496633

Ed

[C855B]

Just more grist for the mill...

Discovered tonight with unmodified short-shank T-S couplers, a 70' loco and 40' boxcar will not negotiate an 18" curve without transition from the tangent. Lifts the boxcar every time. As much as I like these couplers' looks, spring-less assembly and basic operation, I'm not yet ready to jump on the "whole fleet" bandwagon. Once there is an option with just a little bit more lateral swing, then I think I'll be there.

[Point353]

What about molding them in a slightly brown/rust color that's still dark? Is it hard to get plastic in a color like that?

Available starting in December.

#001 22 300 True-Scale Coupler w/short shank (Brown)  (2 pr)    $3.45
#001 22 301 True-Scale Coupler w/long shank   (Brown)  (2 pr)    $3.45
#001 25 300 True-Scale Coupler w/short shank  (Brown) (10 pr) $15.95
#001 25 301 True-Scale Coupler w/long shank    (Brown) (10 pr) $15.95

[OldEastRR]

OK..... the only differences in these couplers from the standard MTLs is they look prototypical and they don't slinky. Because it seems like I get the same car spacing between 2 of these short-shank guys as I do from two MTL truck-mounted short shank regulars. Makes me wonder if the S-S regulars aren't just as good for loco-loco spacing as these things.

[johnb]

Available starting in December.

#001 22 300 True-Scale Coupler w/short shank (Brown)  (2 pr)    $3.45
#001 22 301 True-Scale Coupler w/long shank   (Brown)  (2 pr)    $3.45
#001 25 300 True-Scale Coupler w/short shank  (Brown) (10 pr) $15.95
#001 25 301 True-Scale Coupler w/long shank    (Brown) (10 pr) $15.95

Where did you see this?

[Point353]

Where did you see this?

https://www.micro-trains.com/publicfiles/monthly/MN1612.pdf

[Peter Amling]

Its not there now. 

Edit: it's there now.

[JoeD]

They will be out this week with the first of the month stuff.

Joe

[Point353]

Its not there now.

Try here: https://www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=63_171