Preview of upcoming MTL True-Scale Coupler system

[JoeD]

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

[Scottl]

   I like the concept.  I have been holding off on couplers until something better came along, and this might just be it.  thanks for the preview.

[wcfn100]

 

Jason

[Chris333]

Those look good!

[nickelplate759]

Nice!

[Missaberoad]

Shiny, This is very exciting news! 

Thank you @Shipsure and Micro-trains, just looking at the pictures it is pretty close to exactly what I was hoping for in a scale size coupler.

One question, Joe would it be possible to tool in some representation of the cavities on the drawbar half of the coupler? I think adding that detail would put these over the top... like this



Either way I'm in! Looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish with these

[JoeD]

It would require a far more complicated multi slide mold and given the size, would be a tough one to pull off and get clean parts out of.   

Joe

Shiny, This is very exciting news! 

Thank you @Shipsure and Micro-trains, just looking at the pictures it is pretty close to exactly what I was hoping for in a scale size coupler.

One question, Joe would it be possible to tool in some representation of the cavities on the drawbar half of the coupler? I think adding that detail would put these over the top... like this



Either way I'm in! Looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish with these

[Missaberoad]

It would require a far more complicated multi slide mold and given the size, would be a tough one to pull off and get clean parts out of.   

Joe

I was guessing something like that, and it is far from a deal breaker.
You still made my year model railroad wise! 

[davefoxx]

I am so in on trying these couplers.  You need a beta tester?   

Seriously, I've been looking for something better and was disappointed that DKS never brought his coupler to market.  I'm really excited by this.  I'm not even concerned about the lack of compatibility with other knuckle couplers.  Since I have a small layout and can't run all of my rolling stock at one time, I have no concerns about the amount of time that it will take to convert the fleet.

Kudos to MTL!  Thanks, @Shipsure!

DFF

[Sokramiketes]

Nice.  Hopefully there's plans for a closer to scale draft gear box to aid the appearance.  I understand the 1015 size for existing loco conversions, but a scale box for freight cars would also allow the air hose to mount closer to the centerline of the coupler rather than the bottom of an oversize box.

[Sokramiketes]

Seriously, I've been looking for something better and was disappointed that DKS never brought his coupler to market. 

DFF

Hey, at least he locked up a patent in 14 other countries so no one can ever release them.   

[Missaberoad]

Nice.  Hopefully there's plans for a closer to scale draft gear box to aid the appearance.  I understand the 1015 size for existing loco conversions, but a scale box for freight cars would also allow the air hose to mount closer to the centerline of the coupler rather than the bottom of an oversize box.

A good point and the box does distract from the coupler, however considering the simplicity of the design (no springs/alignment slots) I foresee no issues in scratch building a more prototypical draft gear. These would even lend themselves to an etched part like @ednadolski did with the LEZ couplers... the 1015 style box also makes it a drop in for Athearn, BLMA, Bluford, ESM and others...

I will ad to your hope that this becomes an entire line with a variety of draft boxes and couplers  (shelf couplers anyone?)

[Pomperaugrr]

Hmmmm, now to retrofit 1,000+ pieces of rolling stock...     

Eric

[Dave V]

Hmmmm, now to retrofit 1,000+ pieces of rolling stock...     

Eric

This, LOL.  My excitement was immediately tempered by this thought!

[ednadolski]

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.

@Shipsure, these look great, thanks for doing them!   What is the diameter of the pivot hole, and the interior height/width of the draft gear box?

Ed