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Kaolin2FS

Entry posted by Kaolin2FS

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One of the reasons I switched to 2FS was the ugliness of the rapido coupling. I'm still not sure there's a perfect solution for its replacement but what I have done, however, is got hold of some 3-link chain from Mathieson Models (usual disclaimer) which is designed to replace the coupler on their wagons. These can be used on many recent Farish wagons with only a modest amount of 'persuading' - simply unclip the coupler pockets, widen slightly if needed, and press the Mathieson coupler lugs into the holes. This is an experiment with HFAs which are about to undergo conversion to CDAs, which in the real world have the 'Instanter' type couplings but in this scale who's going to be able to tell... A comparison:

 

Farish HFAs with standard coupling at top and 3-link chain replacement at bottom, set on 2FS track:

blogentry-16846-0-65861100-1349617057_thumb.jpg

 

Difference in length for a rake of 4 (I've kept the rapidos at the end of the bottom rake to facilitate coupling for the time being, they will be replaced with DGs idc):

blogentry-16846-0-15749700-1349617081_thumb.jpg

 

Traversing N-gauge Peco medium-radius turnouts (inset into 'concrete' - more on this another time). No buffer-locking evident:

blogentry-16846-0-55544900-1349617092_thumb.jpg

 

Given the success of this experiment using the greater N-gauge tolerances, I'm not expecting any problems in 2mm, but I'll let you know... :huh:

 

Graham

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Kris
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The main issue that you might find is when you come to push the rake backwards. I found that when I experimented with 3 links in 2mm.

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Kaolin2FS

Thanks Kris, I was expecting trouble I have to admit, but I have tried pushing the rake backwards and was pleasantly surprised when they passed through all turnouts on my test track ok. I think I'll just have to be very careful with the min radius of any curves. The relatively short wb of the wagons and the lack of excessive sideways 'play' help. Graham

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bcnPete
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Hi Graham,

 

Nice comparison photos...I think the rapido is responsible for a fair few of us trying 2mmFS.

 

I keep meaning to get some of those Mathieson 3 links but the longer I leave it, the more my wagon collection grows...and ultimately the associated financial outlay too...then there's the rewheeling too :no:

 

Perhaps Rich B can comment on there operation as I think he is 'King of the 3-Links in 2mmFS' at present.

 

Look forward to hear about your concrete too...looks like you took the DAS route...

 

 

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devondynosoar118

I think the Mathieson clear rapido is actually cleverer than their 3 link, they are so much less visible at normal viewing distance. So far I have stuck with DG for all my finished stock, but was impressed by the "invisibilit"y of the clear rapido, having tried a few or fixed rakes. Richbrummit of this parish uses scale 3 links on his 2FS stock and he as not reported problems, other than seeing them to uncouple!

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Kaolin2FS

Look forward to hear about your concrete too...looks like you took the DAS route...

 

 

Actually, it's a bog standard household filler, in this case, Polyfilla I think; I'll expand more shortly!

 

I think the Mathieson clear rapido is actually cleverer than their 3 link, they are so much less visible at normal viewing distance.

 

I agree that the clear rapido does look good, but bearing in mind the other detail I'm adding to the CDAs (which, if I ask myself honestly, will probably be very hard to make out at NVD too), I just couldn't compromise with rapidos.

 

Thanks for the comments!

 

Graham

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richbrummitt

I have very little to add, except that the Mathieson coupling lacks the 3 links of the coupling that has not been used. ;)

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