I like the looks of the MTL True-Scale couplers, and was thinking of converting some of my passenger coaches to them (most all still have Rapidos, except for my "converter" cars which have MTL on one end, Rapido on the other). I realize the True-Scale couplers are not compatible with other N scale knuckles, but I would be using them for passenger consists that I don't couple/uncouple except to put them away for storage. Has anyone done this yet? Do you like them? Since they are body mounted, have you had any issues (uncoupling through tight curves, etc)? TIA, Scott
Funny that you asked here...I beta tested them, and my now 12 year old daughter that is clumsy helped with the test. She assembled them. I body mounted them into my Kato/Atlas GP35 and my Micro Trains SW1500, as well on a few freight cars. I used them on my switching layout with broad curves. The couplers are a little harder to use on a switching layout, but do-able. They look great, work well, but have to be adjusted correctly.
If you use the True Scale Couplers you better have excellent track work and by that I mean super excellent. Being smaller in size these couplers have less coupling area so any dips or transitions to grades will cause them to displace vertically. This occurs with any coupler but because of the smaller mating area the TSC will be more prone to uncouple. I tried them on some of my passenger cars and quickly removed them. They are good for photography but, in my opinion, little else.
I like them, I am planning on converting everything to them at some point. I tested them and really love the holding power. They are a little stiff to couple, but I expect they will soften up over time. I do pride myself on good trackwork and had no accidental uncouplings. I used MTL Z-Scale couplers to test all my track during construction, they have about the same vertical holding face as the TSC. If your trackwork isn't smooth enough, I recommend fixing the trackwork, regardless of the coupler you use, that will reduce derailments. I can't comment on performance over sharp curves, my minimum radius is 22". I hope to see other manufacturers start to develop TSC compatible couplers in the future, maybe improving on the design. It would be nice to see our horribly oversized couplers start to fade away.
I have a few on regular freight cars and my track work is a smidge off at 2 areas where my 2% grade hits flat on lower and upper track sections, no uncoupled cars yet. I actually had trouble in those areas with the Intermountain SD40-2's until Intermountain sent me corrected bodies. I think they do have a little forgiveness but would agree with the above about good track work. Maybe just try to couple 2 cars for testing...
