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Question about coupling coaches together


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Hi All

 

I've recently picked up a couple of the Hornby MK2E coaches that I will be adding to my existing fleet of Bachmann MK2's.

The Bachmann's have been fitted with the Keen System replacement coupler bars, so the NEM pockets now sit at the correct location.

 

My question, is what is the best way to insert a non-CCM equipped coach in between two that have a CCM?

 

I was thinking a Kadee on the Hornby coach due to the fact that the NEM pocket is fixed to the bogie, and the knuckle swivels on the shank.  Then, use one of the Bachmann EZ Mate couplers to attach to the Bachmann CCM since the knuckle does not move.

 

Thoughts or suggestions?

 

Thanks!

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I don't really know the Bachmann Mk2s, but I'm pretty sure there wouldn't really be an issue - whether the coupling is fitted to the body or bogie, the couplings will still swivel on curves.  I'm not sure if you're asking if there would be a problem with the two types of coupling mounts, or what type of coupling head to use (tension lock, Kadee, etc), but so long as they're the same type of coupling and set at the same height it shouldn't be a problem.  I can run, say, a ViTrains class 37 with cam-mounted couplings next to a Bachmann VDA (stiff "bogie"-mounted couplings), BYA steel carrier (traditional bogie mounted couplings), Lima dummy loco (older large tension lock couplings), it makes little difference.  The only time I find a problem is when cam-mounted close couplings don't re-centre properly when uncoupled, so don't line up when you try to re-couple to something, but in a fixed rake that shouldn't be a problem.

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I think the issue is that with a close coupling mechanism in order to work its best you have a solid bar between the two nem pockets, to ensure that it is only the ccm that moves. If one vehicle does not have a ccm and the nem pocket can not pivot because it is rigid with the bogie or body, then you need a coupling with one pivot point only, if the ccm of the vehicle to which it is attached is to be operated fully. It will of course only have half the effect of two ccm vehicles coupled together, but would still alow closer coupling than would otherwise be possible. So two rigidly mounted Kadees might work if there is sufficient range of movement on the knuckle itself.

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If at all possible, I would equip the Hornby coaches with CCM's also. The regular Keen Systems mechanism (base plate plus delta-pivot arm) is described as being suitable for Hornby Mk 2E's if you cut rectangular holes at each end of the chassis. I have done this with some Mainline Mk I's and they run beautifully with my Bachmann Mk 2 (which has the Keen replacement arms).

I'm using the Keen dummy buckeyes for the coupling heads. I also like the Fleischmann Profi heads. As pointed out above, you really need coupler heads which constrain the CCM's arms into a solid bar between the pivots. Otherwise you are relying on the centering springs to keep the coaches properly separated when being pushed, and they may not be strong enough. (The Keen Systems mechs don't have centering springs unless you fabricate them yourself.)

Kadee coupler heads don't really solve any problems related to CCM's because they don't have this "solid-bar constraint" characteristic. I use them only on the outer ends of rakes of coaches, to allow magnetic uncoupling from locos.

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If it is the Bachmann coaches, I would recommend using the supplied 'hose' coupler that they come with, and then fit Kadee's or the Bachmann EZ-Mate to the outside ends with the Keen replacement coupler bars as the NEM pockets are in the wrong position.

 

I've found the hose couplers are good for 4-5 coach trains.  If you are running longer trains, then the Hornby Roco style coupler would be best.

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If it is the Bachmann coaches, I would recommend using the supplied 'hose' coupler that they come with, and then fit Kadee's or the Bachmann EZ-Mate to the outside ends with the Keen replacement coupler bars as the NEM pockets are in the wrong position.

 

I've found the hose couplers are good for 4-5 coach trains.  If you are running longer trains, then the Hornby Roco style coupler would be best.

 

You can't use the hoses to couple a ccm equipped vehicle to a non ccm equipped vehicle as a completely rigid coupling in this case won't work unless the non ccm vehicles nem pocket also pivots.

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You can't use the hoses to couple a ccm equipped vehicle to a non ccm equipped vehicle as a completely rigid coupling in this case won't work unless the non ccm vehicles nem pocket also pivots.

 

No, I realize that. I was responding to the question / comment from Colin.

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