Blackthorn Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 Does anyone know of a source or supplier of the original small Airfix tension lock coupling?? I would like to replace the couplings that I removed from some of my models in the '80's. It seems rather funny now that industry has gone to couplings that are little different to the Airfix couplings that they originally came out with in (IIRC) 1975!! Many thanks for any tips or suggestions. Mark. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold flockandroll Posted June 6, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 6, 2020 When I changed all my plastic wheels to metal ones a couple of years ago, I had exactly the same thought! I remember buying "converter" couplings to change them over to big ones! Ended up with just one Lowmac on original couplings. I can't believe I threw the originals away, but can't find them now (some 36? years later!) or else I would have put them back. I did search 'tinternet' for any small couplings that would just clip in, but found nothing... Strange the craze to replace the originals back when I was a teenager... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamport Southport Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 Try Peters Spares. They normally have them. https://www.petersspares.com/ Jason Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold TheSignalEngineer Posted June 6, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 6, 2020 Hornby R8099 will plug into an Airfix socket and give you the same profile as a narrow NEM coupling. They come in a pack of ten. https://www.Hornby.com/uk-en/coupling-assembly-pack.html If you need the retaining plates the part is Hornby L7843. I think Dapol RET4 is the same but they don't have any at the moment. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold TheSignalEngineer Posted June 6, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 6, 2020 On Ebay at the moment Jadlam Racing have R8099 at £8.95 + 99p postage for a pack of 10, cheaper for multi-buy. Hampshire Models Ltd have RET4 at £10 incl postage for a pack of 20. You may find cheaper at some other shops on their websites. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
YK 50A Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 (edited) In case it helps, years ago I modified the Bachmann 36-026 and it also allowed me to couple my stock closer together. https://www.flickr.com/photos/alunhughes/8617782992/in/photostream/ An idea borrowed (pinched?) from @Silver Sidelines. Alun Edited June 6, 2020 by YK 50A Another typo! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold TheSignalEngineer Posted June 6, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 6, 2020 22 minutes ago, YK 50A said: In case it helps, years ago I modified the Bachmann 38-026 Alun, that should be 36-026. I used the same method in the past before I found the Hornby R8099. Eric Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
YK 50A Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 6 minutes ago, TheSignalEngineer said: Alun, that should be 36-026. I used the same method in the past before I found the Hornby R8099. Eric Thank you, a typo, now corrected. If you clicked on the link to my Flickr photo and description, 36-026 is/was quoted correctly. The advantage of the 36-026 over the R8099 is it allows you to couple stock closer together - if your curves allow, Alun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold TheSignalEngineer Posted June 6, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 6, 2020 7 minutes ago, YK 50A said: The advantage of the 36-026 over the R8099 is it allows you to couple stock closer together - if your curves allow, Yes Alun. The 36-026 is about 3mm shorter than R8099 or the Airfix coupler. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted June 7, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 7, 2020 Mark How many do you need? I have a small collection that I removed. Collection at your own risk. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewartingram Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 I might have some, having removed all my t/locks and stored them. If you can give me a bit better description, particularly of the fitting of them. How many do you need? I might add that the store is reasonably sorted, in the order of Triang-H/D-Airfix-Mainline types etc, so should be fairly easy to find. Stewart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Dominion Posted June 7, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 7, 2020 I almost certainly have some too, I am also in Ontario. Can you describe or post a photo and I will see how many I have. I see BR60103 is in Guelph which I guess is closer for you. Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted June 8, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 8, 2020 I don't know what happened: my supply is down to 5. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 57xx Posted June 8, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 8, 2020 On 06/06/2020 at 20:46, YK 50A said: In case it helps, years ago I modified the Bachmann 36-026 and it also allowed me to couple my stock closer together. https://www.flickr.com/photos/alunhughes/8617782992/in/photostream/ An idea borrowed (pinched?) from @Silver Sidelines. Alun Thanks for referencing that, I have a stock of those couplings that I used to replace old Mainline ones. I also have a couple of Airfix wagons that have lost the couplings in the midst of time so that is most handy. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackthorn Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 Thank you all for you responses. The Hornby replacements look like a good modern alternative, not quite the same profile as the original, but as close as 'dammit'.... I'll try an get a picture and post it here. Mark. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackthorn Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 Hi all; I was just able to grab a quick picture before I have to head off to work. I hope the quality is good enough to illustrate the coupling....I just snapped it with my 'phone... Thanks for looking. Mark. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewartingram Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 That's what I've stored as Airfix, but what about the fixing? Mine are mostly 2-hole (as Triang & Horny) pre-NEM. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackthorn Posted June 10, 2020 Author Share Posted June 10, 2020 Hi Stewart; I didn't think about the underside... That's what happens when I'm in a rush.....the coupling is just held on with a clip...hopefully this picture helps. Mark. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewartingram Posted June 10, 2020 Share Posted June 10, 2020 I'll have a look later . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now