Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
[quote user="Dave Vollmer"] While I'm not new to model railroading, I've only been in N for about 4 and a half years, so this question may sound supremely dumb...Do body-mounted couplers work better on backup moves than truck-mounted?In HO I only ever used body-mounts and so it was never an issue.  But in N, most of my freight cars have truck-mounted couplers, and I find backing a long train into a spur through even #6 switches sometimes causes derailments.  The track is as close to flawless as I can get it.  I'm thinking it has to be the truck-mounted couplers...  possible?My locals tend to be long and I'm often spotting a car that's as many as 10-15 cars back of the loco, and oft times it's the number 6 or 8 car that derails on the backup move, usually on a switch.  The switches are all in gauge and operate just fine when the train is rolling forward.  Based on the angle it which the wheels leave the rails it looks like it's a torue thing from pushing on the truck rather than the body.Good gosh, I'm not looking forward to the bill for so many body-mounted couplers.Yes, I know in the past I'd advocated truck-mounted couplers in N...  [:-^]  That was before I'd developed an operating scheme for the layout beyond watching the trains chase their cabin cars!  To those who help the opposing view, go ahead...  you can say "I told you so!"[*^_^*][/quote] Dave,Yes, it's true that body mount couples help prevent derailments.  If you are experiencing derailments while backing it is most likely due to the pressure of a long train on the trucks.  It is the trucks that are being pushed instead of the bodies.  When the bodies get pushed the trucks just have to do the rolling and turning but not the pushing.  The biggest problem with N scale body mounts couples is that the height needs to be aligned just right.  Wishing you the best. Rob
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community