BLI is using RMR (Arnold/Vlk) couplers for their recent N scale models

[peteski]

I discovered something interesting while looking over the parts diagram of my BLI N scale T1 loco.  While the model I own features genuine Micro-Trains couplers , the parts diagram shows a distinctly different coupler.



That is unmistakably the new RMR (Arnold/Vlk) coupler used on the Arnold SW1 locos.  The shelf-coupler like protrusions on the knuckle, and the details on the "thumb" piece can only be attributed to the Arnold/Vlk coupler.

That brings up a question: was BLI originally contemplating using the Arnold/Vlk coupler on these models, or the factory that makes BLI models also makes Arnold N scale models, and they just used a standard coupler design from their 3D parts library for that exploded drawing?  Either way, this is one of those things that makes me go "hmmm".

EDIT:  In  light of the later posts in this thread it has been confirmed that the more recent models do feature RMR couplers.

[Mark5]

Interesting! I think BLI has used 3 or more couplers at this point. I guess that isn't the "small" knuckle used on some of the recent steamers.

[ednadolski]

Do these couplers actually exist and/or are not made from unobtanium? 

Also, is #26 an MT (or compatible) box? Is #27 supposed to be a 00-90 threaded screw?

Ed

[wazzou]

Do these couplers actually exist and/or are not made from unobtanium? 

Also, is #26 an MT (or compatible) box? Is #27 supposed to be a 00-90 threaded screw?

Ed

They were used on the Arnold SW-1 and Arnold U25-C/U28-C.
That's it as far as I'm aware.

[peteski]

Do these couplers actually exist and/or are not made from unobtanium? 

Also, is #26 an MT (or compatible) box? Is #27 supposed to be a 00-90 threaded screw?

Ed

Yes 27 is a threaded screw. It has a Philips head. Likely metric, but similar in size to 00-90.  I have not taken the coupler off on my T1



Those couplers were used on Arnold's SW1 and the U-boat.  That's about it.  You could order few as spare parts for those locos, but they weren't available for individual purchase.

[Maletrain]

Peteski, is that an MTL 905 in your photo (next to the Arnold coupler)?

[peteski]

Peteski, is that an MTL 905 in your photo (next to the Arnold coupler)?

Nope - it is a standard 1023/1025 N scale coupler mounted on the MTL/Kadee height gauge.  I mentioned Kadee because that gauge is so old that it still shows "Kadee" logo on it.

[ednadolski]

They were used on the Arnold SW-1 and Arnold U25-C/U28-C.
That's it as far as I'm aware.

Seems rather a shame, to go thru all the time/effort/cost of designing, producing, and all that, but then not for it to be available for folks to try out.   Well, perhaps some day that will change.

Edit:  Just how many different couplers are there in N scale nowadays?   OTTOMH I can name Micro Trains standard (how many variants?), MT TSC, BLI, Kato, Scale Trains, McHenry, Accumate, ExactRail (I think), ProtoMate (prospective), plus all the old/nonop ones (Roundhouse, Unimate, RC, Rapido, ...).   Then there is the whole body- vs. truck-mounted...   No wonder N-scale modelers can get frustrated....

Ed

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Seems rather a shame, to go thru all the time/effort/cost of designing, producing, and all that, but then not for it to be available for folks to try out.   Well, perhaps some day that will change.

Edit:  Just how many different couplers are there in N scale nowadays?   OTTOMH I can name Micro Trains standard (how many variants?), MT TSC, BLI, Kato, Scale Trains, McHenry, Accumate, ExactRail (I think), ProtoMate (prospective), plus all the old/nonop ones (Roundhouse, Unimate, RC, Rapido, ...).   Then there is the whole body- vs. truck-mounted...   No wonder N-scale modelers can get frustrated....

Ed

I gave up trying to keep track of this or N scale trucks. I think Athearn is using 7 or 8 different patterns for their 100t trucks alone. It drives me crazy because some of them like the ones on the FGE reefer are outstanding. The ones on their newer hoppers are very nice as well.

[ncbqguy]

The illustration is the RMR Coupler which was furnished to BLI.   
I have not had an assignment from BLI for a couple of years so don’t know if it was tooled or what products, if any, it appeared on.  I don’t have ant BLI Mikados abut there was talk of it having smaller couplers...
Charlie Vlk
Railroad Model Resources

[Kentuckian]

The illustration is the RMR Coupler which was furnished to BLI.   
I have not had an assignment from BLI for a couple of years so don’t know if it was tooled or what products, if any, it appeared on.  I don’t have ant BLI Mikados abut there was talk of it having smaller couplers...
Charlie Vlk
Railroad Model Resources

Charlie, you made me go look! I believe that is the case:



BLI Mike on left, “standard” MT on right.

[peteski]

The illustration is the RMR Coupler which was furnished to BLI.   
I have not had an assignment from BLI for a couple of years so don’t know if it was tooled or what products, if any, it appeared on.  I don’t have ant BLI Mikados abut there was talk of it having smaller couplers...
Charlie Vlk
Railroad Model Resources

Thanks for chiming in Charlie.  I also apologize for calling that coupler Adnold/Vlk, when it has an official name: RMR.  I'll have remember to call it by its proper name.

More info on this coupler  is in https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=37134.msg446307#msg446307

Looks like BLI did start using it on the Mikado.  So, it is getting more acceptance.  I wonder is BLI created their own molds for it, or are they using the same molds as Arnold?If they did create new molds, I wonder if the reshaped the inner surface of the coupler to better couple with standard N scale MTL couplers (I noticed slight coupling problem when I tested the Arnold SW1). I shaved of small amount of the inner surface for much smoother coupling action.

Ed N.: I don't think the N scale knuckle coupler situation is not all that grim, as long as all those different brand coupler are compatible with each other.  I think you can blame this knuckle coupler proliferation on the expiration of the MTL patent. Since then, bunch of companies jumped on the N scale coupler bandwagon.

[peteski]

BLI Mike on left, “standard” MT on right.

Yes, that sure looks like RMR coupler.
Can you tell what cross-section is the metal "air hose"?  the Arnold version used round cross-section wire, which resulted in it being easily twisted out of alignment.  Does the BLW version use the same round wire, or is the shape flattened (like MTL version), which prevents it from being twisted out of alignment?

[Kentuckian]

It doesn’t look like the rectangular cross section that MT uses, but not round either, kind of elliptical. IDK if you can see anything in my poor photo or not.

[peteski]

It doesn’t look like the rectangular cross section that MT uses, but not round either, kind of elliptical. IDK if you can see anything in my poor photo or not.

MTL trip pins are not perfectly rectangular. They have an oval cross section that looks somewhat like a shape of a typical train-set track.    The BLI coupler trip pin in that picture , like you mentioned, does appear not to be round.  That is good. That shape will prevent it from rotating.  So this is an improved version of the RMR coupler.