Converting To Z-Scale Couplers - Is It Worth The Effort?

[ednadolski]

How many cars can the Z scale couplers handle?

I currently run a coal drag or two at train shows that have 60-75 cars (double headed with steam Y3bs or EM-1s).  I plan to convert my rolling stock to body mount couplers.  If the Z couplers can handle the load, I'd switch to the more prototype look.

Any one using Z couplers on long freight drags?

This train has over 60 cars.  All cars and locos have the LE Z couplers.  My limiting factor in this case is the sharp 'S' curve in front of Tunnel 10.  If I make the train any longer then it starts to risk stringlining, but the strength of the couplers is not a problem.

Ed

[GaryHinshaw]

I don't have a full train converted yet, like Ed, but I routinely run 40 car trains on 2.3% grades with LE-equipped cars at the head end. No problems whatsoever.

[Nick_Burman]

I model Japanese trains and have converted a short (6 car) tank car train and a couple of interurbans to MT Z scale couplers. I'm satisfied with the end result, even if operation is a bit finicky. I intend to convert more equipment to Z scale couplers as soon as funds permit.

Were I to return to US-prototype modelling, I would use Z scale couplers throughout.

Cheers NB

[The Beer Baron]

Here's an example of the difference in coupling distance that replacing the stock couplers with z scale couplers makes:

I find the MT short-shank trucks (1035) offer a similar appearance. Obviously body-mounting should achieve the same close coupling.

..the "slinky effect" when tension is minimized on both long and short trains, which is because of their mounting protocol which involves a spring.

That's called "coupler slack" and it's prototypical.     

Now to actually share on-topic - Like Kiz, I just have too many friggin cars.  I will however eventually put z scale couplers on my Spectrum steamers.

[peteski]

I find the MT short-shank trucks (1035) offer a similar appearance. Obviously body-mounting should achieve the same close coupling.

That's called "coupler slack" and it's prototypical.     

While what others call the slinky effect doesn't bother me a bit, I have to say that it has nothing to to with coupler slack.

MT couplers (with the spring inboard the coupler shank's pivot post) do produce realistic coupler slack, the slinky effect is when caros of a train running on a level track tents to oscillate back and forth in groups of several cars.  Sometimes a single car will oscillate back and forth fairly quickly (sometimes few times a second).  That is the slinky effect.

[The Beer Baron]

That is the slinky effect.

Ah, ok. Now I understand.

[ednadolski]

..the "slinky effect" when tension is minimized on both long and short trains, which is because of their mounting protocol which involves a spring.

That's called "coupler slack" and it's prototypical.     

Does this look prototypical to you?  (esp. starting after about 0:50)

I can only imagine the broken knuckles and damaged goods that a prototype would have from that sort of action.....     Fortunately, with the LE couplers, it's all a thing of the past.


Ed

[MichaelWinicki]

I'm looking forward to the new more prototypical sized offerings headed our two different supplies.

Yes, how they hold up while being part of a long train is important to me, but it's more important how well they couple/uncouple since there is a lot switching on my layout.  I want to be able to continue using some kind of "pick" to uncouple the cars.  Having to lift up a car to uncouple or the even worse "pick up & twist" simply wouldn't fly.

[peteski]

I'm looking forward to the new more prototypical sized offerings headed our two different supplies.

Yes, how they hold up while being part of a long train is important to me, but it's more important how well they couple/uncouple since there is a lot switching on my layout.  I want to be able to continue using some kind of "pick" to uncouple the cars.  Having to lift up a car to uncouple or the even worse "pick up & twist" simply wouldn't fly.

I believe that both new couplers are designed for automatic magnetic uncoupling.  If you don't use magnets, they should be "pickable", just like MT couplers are.

[Mike C]

  Good thing the conductor rides in the loco cab, coffee would be all over the place... ..Seriously, looks good, love the scenery !.....Mike