Instanter Three-Link Coupling

[SED Freightman]

 

They were very easy to use and reliable in service, and in 8 years as a guard at Canton in the 1970s I never heard of a breakage involving one; axle failures were more common.

 

Instanter couplings did break occasionally, this one gave up whilst fitted to a loaded MGR wagon heading for Ridham Sdgs in about 1993.

 

[AberdeenBill]

Fascinating thread, RMWeb at its best...     I've seen a video somewhere of a shunter using his pole to loosen a screw coupling. 

 

Bill

[The Johnster]

1993 ish could be late 1992 or early 1994 - Broken Instanter Coupling - Rev.1.jpg

 

Instanter couplings did break occasionally, this one gave up whilst fitted to a loaded MGR wagon heading for Ridham Sdgs in about 1993.

 

Looks as if there was a bit of a 'snatch'; the top obviously went first and then the coupling stretched a little before finally failing at the bottom, accounting for the angle of that break.  Was the wagon at the head of the train?

Edited August 18, 2017 by The Johnster

[SED Freightman]

Looks as if there was a bit of a 'snatch'; the top obviously went first and then the coupling stretched a little before finally failing at the bottom, accounting for the angle of that break.  Was the wagon at the head of the train?

 

Unfortunately I cannot recall or find any further details regarding train formation, although I agree with your suggested process of the failure.  The coupling passed through my office en route for further analysis at Derby (I think), I had not come across a failed instanter before and took a couple of photos but either failed to record any details or more likely have lost them over time.