Adam Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 I think that's fair CK (an oversize hook to a better shape than Smiths would be the ideal solution for me I think). I do find that Smiths screw links can and do fall apart (particularly when marshalled towards the front of heavy trains. When this happens at exhibitions - on a big EM tailchaser in my case - leaving half a train behind is far worse than even the most cack-handed uncoupling operation or the auto-coupling shuffle (been there, done all of those...*). For three-links proper I make my own links - Tinned copper wire of c. 0.5mm diameter wrapped round a brass former. The links are overscale by about 10% or so. For those of you familiar with Smiths that's noticeably bigger and of course, cheaper. If it helps, the trick with Masokits flexibility, I've found, is to drill the holes out to 0.8 mm - giving lots of clearance on a 0.53mm pin and to blacken rather than paint. Blackening the centres durng construction rather than trying to be clever with a soldering iron also helps, but I put 'em together in batches! Adam * I've seen several (small) P4 and one or two S7 layouts using Jacksons very successfully, I think they've a lot to recommend them but have found them a bit of a pig when I've used them in O finescale - too much slop in the track/wheel standards I think. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickL2008 Posted October 22, 2009 Author Share Posted October 22, 2009 A well put post by you CK! yeah sometimes Ive grown wiery with some Screw links, and one even cost me a Seacow! , but still determind to bin all my tension locks so that I can do the bufferbeam detailing I always love to do to my stock and locos. I think to conclude I may give the Masokits ones a go NL Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted October 22, 2009 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 22, 2009 Good luck with it either way, Nick. Adam makes some good points too, I guess if a better shaped hook but large enough was available, I'd switch to it, but I haven't got time these days to start filing Smiths hooks to shape, I'd rather direct what pedantry I have left in me, in a different direction! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickL2008 Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share Posted October 23, 2009 Thanks CK , Ill give the different options available a try if it comes down to that! NL Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian777999 Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 So what type of rolling stock would have been fitted with screw link couplers on the GWR : GWR brown stock, passenger coaches...anything else ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 So what type of rolling stock would have been fitted with screw link couplers on the GWR : GWR brown stock, passenger coaches...anything else ? Probably also fitted vans and opens, though these might sometimes have had Instanters, which were a GWR innovation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertcwp Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 Does anyone have any current suggestions on this topic please, regarding 4 mm scale screw couplings that can be used as couplings, not just cosmetic? Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamport Southport Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 The newer versions of the Smiths couplings are much better. They've dispensed with the trackpin "tommy bar" which many thought was the weakest part of the coupling. This is the kit version. Also available ready made. https://www.petersspares.com/smiths-lp8a-couplings-eight-etched-brass-screw-link-couplings-kit-new-design.ir Jason Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Enterprisingwestern Posted October 21, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 21, 2020 1 hour ago, robertcwp said: Does anyone have any current suggestions on this topic please, regarding 4 mm scale screw couplings that can be used as couplings, not just cosmetic? Thanks. The Accurascale version with the 2 eyelet bars, turned upside down and fitted to a decent length drawhook is a good option. Mike. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium PMP Posted October 21, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 21, 2020 2 hours ago, robertcwp said: Does anyone have any current suggestions on this topic please, regarding 4 mm scale screw couplings that can be used as couplings, not just cosmetic? Thanks. If you want good appearance, robust and good value Masokits are possibly best value. https://albionyard.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/fifteen-minute-heroes/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertcwp Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 Thanks for the replies. I didn't think much of the Smiths version, the Accurascale one seems to be cosmetic and the Masokits one looks like hard work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold McC Posted October 21, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 21, 2020 50 minutes ago, robertcwp said: Thanks for the replies. I didn't think much of the Smiths version, the Accurascale one seems to be cosmetic and the Masokits one looks like hard work. while designed as cosmetic they are metal and plastic and quite serviceable. Hope that helps 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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