More N scale coupling investigation…

In July, at the start of this latest North American ‘distraction’, I experimented with various couplings. Trying all the ‘main stream’ examples wasn’t a cheap experiment and ended largely frustrated…

The Microtrains 1015 (now very difficult to source in the UK, but hopefully Atlas will ensure these parts become available once more) won out, but its appearance is far from perfect. I found that generally all types struggled to reliably couple one car - not enough resistance to allow the coupling spring to be opened.

I have been playing with my latest models and have managed to get much better results, with some combinations hitting Kadee levels of reliability when coupling - however there is still some variability between ready to run with models pre-fitted with 1015.

Stripping down this Prairie Shadows model, designed and manufactured I believe by Rapido, was interesting. The model is sold as being fitted with a genuine 1015, and that seems to be the case - but the spring is interesting…

On the left is the one fitted, a standard 1015 on the right. A quick replacement in this instance has softened the coupler action and improved coupling reliability.

In HO, on Beaverbrook, I’ve standardised on scale head Kadee. On Coalbridge Street it’s original No.5 head Kadee. The standard means reliability is maximised. In N, it seems I am standardising on Microtrains 1015 - and swapping out any that are not of this type. 

However, I do still have a nagging thought, perhaps I should try N-possible on everything… I don’t intend to use the magnetic uncoupling so there would be no difference in that regard, coupling seems fairly reliable with my limited tests, and cost isn’t prohibitive when I have such a small collection… 

I think this is the sign of an unresolved conundrum. I haven’t yet found a solution I’m happy with… 1015 for now but we’ll see about the future. Until next time, more soon…

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