Good info Jerry, So, just where will the 1015/16 come into play? It appears that I may have to simply resort to putting a coupler spring into the axle pocket to create a bit of drag on the whole consist. Defeats the purpose of "free rolling" MTL trucks, but, hey... All a part of the hobby. :tb-biggrin:
Increasing drag by using MTL axle springs The introduction of the RDA (reverse draft angle) coupler wasn't intended to eliminate the 'slinky' effect. It was to reduce the incidence of unintentional uncouplings. You don't want to use a "coupler spring" on the axles. MTL supplies a spring whose length, diameter and tension are specific to this chore. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]MTL-00112002 ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]MTL-1953), [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]N-2, truck restraining springs, 12 each/package.[/SIZE][/FONT]
I'm using them for coupler conversions on Kato engines. See my recent thread "FYI-Kato Coupler Conversion" as it further explains why I'm using the 2001 gear box and spring with the 1015/1016 couplers. Jerry
For the best N scale coupler on the market MTL's have certainly had a few problems, and half hearted fixes like springs to put on your axles so the cars don't roll so well. I find that since the introduction of RDA MTL couplers need a bit more of a shove to couple compared to older ones but I guess you can't have it both ways.
Fascinating. The depth of experience and knowledge shown in this thread is impressive. The willingness to share it is heartwarming. Sometimes knowing too much can be bewildering and frightening. My summation of the information tells me to keep curves in the 14-16" realm at the minimum and don't run underweighted (is that a word?) cars. Then there's another thread talking about cutting the trip pins off anyway. I remember pining away in the early days of N for an alternate to the Rapido. Progress is a wonderful thing, but it spoils people. Why don't the manufacturers ever consult with users BEFORE they design and build new products????????
The 1015/16 is for locomotives. For freight cars, use the 1023/25 or the 1027, in most situations. (The 1025 can even be shortened to fit in some cases.) Some other couplers, such as the 1026, are designed to fit particular (usually MTL) cars. The 1015/16 is sometimes appropriate for freight cars, but I remain baffled as to how it became known as the 'standard' to some folks.
