Chris: I have been using Walthers couplers with no real issues as far as coupling/uncoupling with either themselves or Kadees and SHS. I have used them for about two years now. I do a LOT of switching, both passenger and freight, on straight and curves track, using the Nicholson uncoupling system (See "Files", under "Bob Nicholson").
I did note the centering spring is a little wider than a Kadee centering spring, so you might try using a Kadee spring for a little more positive action. Like I said, I have no problems, so I haven't tried that. These couplers also work with the various Kadee mounting systems, too. As far as the knuckle closing springs, I have noticed no difference between them and Kadee springs, except they appear to be a little longer, which may preclude substituting a Kadee knuckle closing spring You might try stretching the springs slightly to increase their strength, but not too much, or they might buckle. Graphite powder in the coupler box will free up the centering action. I guess my question is, why will modelers test the depth of the water with both feet for high-priced items of questionable value and reliability (like DCC), but hesitate to pop less than twenty bucks for twenty pairs of couplers? At least, with the couplers, if you don't like them, you can throw them my way and I'll pay you what you paid for them. Either way, you get a bargain! Bob Nicholson ______________________________________________ --- In [email protected], Christopher Borgmeyer <cborgmeyer@...> wrote: > > Jim, > > The Northern Ohio S Scalers tested the ProtoMax couplers this past > weekend on our modules as we displayed at the NMRA Division 5 show. > The couplers look to be about the correct size and install very easily > - no springs, squeeze them together and one screw through the center > to hold them. And, there is none of that bouncy, bouncy, bouncy slack > action! My little S Scale men in the caboose can finally stop filing > workers comp for whiplash. Much better than Kadees. However the > centering action was very poor. We really had difficulty coupling-up > kadee to proto, proto to proto. The knuckle springs also seemed a > little weaker than the kadees. My question to those of you who have > used them successfully, how have you modified the centering action to > make it more reliable? Also, have you added any graphite or grease to > lubricate things? > > I'd love these guys to work out. The easy installation and price are > very compelling. > > Chris Borgmeyer > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
