I know that some modelers have converted their cars to body mounts using Z scale couplers. I have also heard some voicing their concerns about the strength of these couplers especially when used in long Ntrak type trains. I typically run 40-50 car trains on an Ntrak setup so I am interested in knowing about the strength issue. Is it an issue to be concerned with?
-Ink, I've used Z-Scale on my locos (in consists) pulling 30-40 car trains without a broken knuckle. Hopefully that will attest to coupler strength. I have not used the Z scale on freight cars though other than cabeese. I tend to just stick with good ole' N scale couplers on the freight alot less maintenance and troubleshooting in my opinion. S
It's likely that someone who uses Z scale couplers has also taken steps to reduce the rolling resistance of their cars. Kinda goes together... :teeth:
I can only dream of 40 car trains. I have had no problems, even up a grade, with Z's pulling 15 cars. I have never tried anything longer with Z couplers, solely by chance and not by design.
The loco's on the JJJ&E routinely pull 28 cars p a long 2% grade with Z scale couplers body mounted on cars and loco's. Stay cool and run steam........
I had started converting my cars to Z scale couplers, but decided to go back to N scale couplers. The Z couplers look nice, but unless you have FLAWLESS track, you will have random uncoupling. I used to run a 40-50 car train over unitrack and did have some problems keeping the train together. I have not had those problems with N couplers. Also automatic coupling can be spotty. There is enough play between the wheels and track to allow for cars to have couplers not line up when coupling. Again, no problem with N couplers. If you plan to operate without much switching, they may be OK. If you like to do switching stick with N couplers. Also, certain cars can be a little difficult to convert to the Z couplers, but I have never come across a car that I could not convert to N couplers fairly easily. If you do decide to go with the Z's let me know. I am slowly filling up a plastic bag full of them as I take them off my rolling stock. I would be willing to sell to you at a nice discount.
well if this helps, today i ran down at union staion(kansas city) on one of our ntrak permanent setups and i have Zs on my FT ABBA ATSF setup with my hallmark 4-8-4 on the point for helper service and i had i think just over 90 cars on with the only problem being one spot where the train would uncouple at the headend due to no shim to lower the Z scale coupler some more but other than that, no other problems.....oh yeah and NO BROKEN KNUCKLES!!! yeah theres not a huge grade or anything but hey, almost 100 weighted cars and 14 flats with 2 sherman tanks on them each, thats proof enough!!
