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Peter, as has already been said, slinky effect would keep me from converting, no matter how lovely the coupler looked. Also, I am sure that compatibility is not one of the goals that MTL has with their True Scale line. In fact, for the new couplers to be a true game-changer, it is required that they NOT be compatible, but at least as easily coupled as their present N-gauge/Z-gauge couplers are, as well as looking as close to prototype as is economically feasible. Centering for me isn't necessary either, and the slinky effect problem is already solved.Also, the price is right too.The prime example of this business plan is the introduction of the Kadee N-scale couplers, which had ZERO compatibility with the predominant Rapido N-gauge couplers. Introduction of MTL TSC's is based on the assumption that modelers who use them are exponentially more interested in how they look and function in use with each other than compatibility with other, lesser, grossly oversize N-gauge knuckle couplers.As the MTL TSC's are now, they need a bit more work, mostly because of their grossly out-of-scale coupler pocket, but after modifying the two coupler halves as per Jason's @wcfn100 instructions, and installing them in his excellent Shapeways coupler pocket, I am installing them in as many cars & engines that the pocket works with...but it is slooooow going!If, during re-tooling the upgraded MTL TSC's look a bit more realistic, couple together easier and have a few styles of near-prototypical looking and sized pockets...these will change the game drastically.I'll keep my fingers crossed....Cheerio!Bob Gilmore
Bob, GOEMON is *NOT* a MTL coupler - As it is customary on TRW we again had an off-topic diversion. GOEMON is the new and slinky realistic-looking N scale coupler.
Peter, I never said the GOEMON was an MTL coupler, but it's attachment point looks to be the same, with the same spring in it...which means it's going to be slinkying around just like MTL non-True-Scale-couplers.It's also too big, being not an "N-scale" coupler, but an N-gauge coupler...I think MTL is going to pleasantly surprise us with the next iteration of the TSC....Cheerio!Bob Gilmore
I'D like to see a variant I could drop in the body mounted boxes on my Athearn 2 Bays and my BLMA PD Hoppers. That's all that's holding me back from converting the layout.And shelf couplers for my tank cars!
We have some new stuff in the works and are looking at getting more swing on the couplers. This project is evolving and thanks to sales I have some latitude to do some interesting options I think you all will like.
Can you at least give me some tips on how to improve the earlier couplers?
I'm enjoying these. I just wish there was a 2004 variant of the coupler.
This has been discussed at length already... you basically need to sand down the "whiskers" (for lack of a better term) a little so that the coupler won't be quite so stiff. Earlier in this thread it was talked about some and the improvement is supposedly rather fine.
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Topic: Preview of upcoming MTL True-Scale Coupler system (Read 91533 times)
