Operational Link and Pin Coupling - The Article

[hminky]

I have an article showing my operational "link and pin" system at:

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/1879/cars/couplers/

Thank you if you visit
Harold

 

[Dave Farquhar]

Harold, that's a brilliant solution to the problem, and should adapt reasonably easily to other scales (at least the larger scales). Great read! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Greg Elems]

Very cool article. Your On30 layout translates into OO very nice. Great web page.

Greg

 

[RailRon]

Your system looks very good, Harold! If I had an old time or logging layout I would really consider copying this excellent coupling system.

My layout is too modern, so I'll stick with Kadees! But hats off to your inventive talent. And my compliment for an excellent website as well! :thumb:

One question, though: When uncoupling, do you put back the 'staple' in the drawbar of one of the cars? Or do you carry along a supply of coupling links when you run your trains?

Ron

 

[hminky]

So far I have been hanging them on the car's brake wheel during operating sessions. Not prototypical or eye appealing but it makes them easier to find.
While trying to figure out yard switching, I wondered how the railroads handled the same thing in cars being switched in a yard. Did they couple the cars as they added them to the cars already in the yard? I can't imagine carrying the links and pins all over the switchyard.

Harold