More Questions Regarding German Models

[strummer]

OK,here's another one. 

What exactly is the "Simplex" coupling system, and how does it work? All I know is that in N scale it uses Rapido couplers.

I'm sure I saw a video someplace, but I can't remember where...

Mark in Oregon

[keeper]

What exactly is the "Simplex" coupling system, and how does it work? All I know is that in N scale it uses Rapido couplers.

Oh, that one... 

Simplex is a mechanical uncoupling device. You could get some of the old Arnold/Rapido models with or without it.
When you moved the loco slowly backwards a metal 'pin' would lift the coupler. After that you simply stop the loco and move forward. It worked but not 100%.

Thomas

[keeper]

Not sure about your first question, but there's an Arnold #2542 BR 18 available on eBay right now, from a seller I have purchased from.

As a side note, that one has no DCC plug in the tender.

The BR 18 did pull the Orient Express, at least parts of it.

Thomas

[strummer]

Oh, that one... 

Simplex is a mechanical uncoupling device. You could get some of the old Arnold/Rapido models with or without it.
When you moved the loco slowly backwards a metal 'pin' would lift the coupler. After that you simply stop the loco and move forward. It worked but not 100%.

Thomas

I see...is the metal "pin" part of the track, or on the loco?

Thanks, BTW, for the swift response.

Mark in (warm...87 yesterday)Oregon

[peteski]

Oh, that one... 

Simplex is a mechanical uncoupling device. You could get some of the old Arnold/Rapido models with or without it.
When you moved the loco slowly backwards a metal 'pin' would lift the coupler. After that you simply stop the loco and move forward. It worked but not 100%.

Thomas

Here is an old  post you participated in explaining the system:
http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=68371

The above post has a scan of an Arnold catalog page explaining how the system works.

IIRC this was something specific to Arnold Rapido N scale locos,and it only lasted a short time.  I have never seen a Simplex-equipped N scale model, and until now I haven't heard it mentioned for years.

[strummer]

Thanks Peteski, I knew you would be able to weigh in with the definitive answer.

In your opinion, how difficult would it be to dis-able the feature from a "lok"? Or can it simply be ignored?

Mark in Oregon

[peteski]

Thanks Peteski, I knew you would be able to weigh in with the definitive answer.

In your opinion, how difficult would it be to dis-able the feature from a "lok"? Or can it simply be ignored?

Mark in Oregon

I would say just ignore it, or use it (if it still works).  I haven't had a chance to ever see one in-person (and to take the model apart to see how it is implemented), but it seems to be some sort of mechanical device coupled to either the wheels or motor.

[strummer]

It appears to be tied in with the axles; a "worm" inboard of the wheel, with a tab that engages the wire, which in turn lifts the coupler.

Think I'll ignore it.

Mark in Oregon

[keeper]

It appears to be tied in with the axles; a "worm" inboard of the wheel, with a tab that engages the wire, which in turn lifts the coupler.

Think I'll ignore it.

Mark in Oregon

Correct.

You could also clip off the wire if it doesn't work properly, no big deal.
This is what I did with mine.

Thomas

[strummer]

Trying to keep this thread alive...

Just received an Arnold BR41 #2511 2-8-2. According to my sources, this model was made from 1972 thru 1993. Given how well this thing runs, I can only assume that it's a later release. The initial start-up speed is a bit high, but it runs smoothly through all speed ranges, and is much quieter than I would have guessed an engine with metal gears would be. It's no Kato Mike, but it's pretty d*mn good.

As I continue to explore this aspect of N scale which I know very little about, and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I once again must say how impressed I've been with these German-prototype models, both in fit and finish and how well they all run.

Mark in Oregon

[keeper]

Is yours one with a factory build in smoke generator?

[strummer]

Is yours one with a factory build in smoke generator?

My example does not have that feature. Cannot say for sure if it came that way, or if the smoking unit was removed at some point.

Mark in Oregon

[peteski]

My example does not have that feature. Cannot say for sure if it came that way, or if the smoking unit was removed at some point.

Mark in Oregon

While I don't own any Arnold smoker locos, I believe that the smoke generator and the oil reservoir are integral part of the metal boiler (not removable).

As for the quality of German-made models, as the saying goes, they were all fine-quality German engineering, and also very well assembled and carefully inspected. So as you noticed, even though the design was a bit outdated wen compared to other models, they ran well.

But their quality started to slip when they stopped making all the models in Germany.  Some of the newer Minitrix, Fleischmann, and Arnold models are nowhere as well-engineered, assembled, or decorated as they used to be.  even the re-releases of the older models suffer decreased quality.  Instead of Germany, most of the models are now made in China or IIRC Romania.

[strummer]

Interesting.

There is currently listed on eBay an Arnold smoke unit for this very same loco (#2511), so it would appear that this device is a separate unit. I suppose, like anything else, replacement parts are needed. In my online research, I have yet to find an example of this engine listed as NOT having the smoker, so I guess the unit that was in my loco was removed at some point. Just as well, I'm not really into that smoke thing anyway...

You are absolutely right regarding the quality of this stuff; hell, if I had purchased German prototypes back in the (very) early '70's, when I first dabbled in N, I very well might have stayed with the scale. Instead, because I bought a Bachmann GP40 and a "Parkway" (Rapido) GP9, which were both marginal runners, I stayed with HO until the mid '90's...when I discovered Kato products.

Mark in Oregon

[keeper]

The smoke generator is definitely a separate part.

Thomas