> Run a 2
> or 3 option 1 week long survey for the group (head/shank style or
combo)
> that the top winner to Kadee.
> Bill Lane
Now there's an idea: A coupler designed by a committee working from
survey results. Reminds me of the infamous NMRA X2f coupler. It
served a purpose, to be sure, but was of little interest to the more
scale-oriented modelers of the hobby.
If someone were to ask me (which they have not) about the
characteristics of the "optimum" S scale coupler, my answer would
include the following:
1. Able to fit both the Kadee #5 and Kadee #802 mounting holes and
draft gear boxes. This sort of implies at least two different shank
styles, but maybe not if enough creativity is applied.
2. Correct scale dimensions and shape to the maximum extent possible
WITHOUT sacrificing one bit of operational performance. This sort of
implies something like a Kadee HO coupler that is pregnant -- by
about 15% approx.
3. Able to center itself automatically for remote coupling beyond an
arm's length away.
4. Able to perform "delayed" uncoupling as well as "normal"
uncoupling over already-installed Kadee-type magnets -- both the
permanent and electro types -- from distances greater than an arm's
length away.
5. Be about the same price as the Kadee products -- within 15% or
so -- and available at online discount outlets in bulk packaging.
6. Rust color.
7. No longitudinal slack action of the shank at all. Desired slack
action, if any, will come from knuckle-to-knuckle slack only.
8. Flawless operation without the need to file off flash and
lubricate.
9. Fully assembled and ready to use.
10. For the technically advanced, how about this: uncouple via DCC.
This feature would be an extra cost option. Mechanism for doing so
is totally enclosed within the draft gear box.
Given the above list of druthers and considering the available
products already on the market, can anyone seriously suggest that a
profitmaking company proceed to tool up for a brand new S coupler?
Food for thought anyway. Makes no sense to me, but then again I am
an S guy and nothing about this scale makes any logical sense. But I
love it because of that.
Now about those rail sizes.........
Cheers....Ed L.
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