Proto Max couplers?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Magnetic_Knuckle_Couplers_Reverse_Trip_Pin_4_Pr_p/920-6006.htm

I had read some where that these are metal couplers? (true/false??)

And what the heck is a reverse trip pin?[%-)]

2

If you click on the picture of the package, it enlarges it. It states on the package that they have a “Tough Diecast Head and Shank”. Other than Kadee and Sergent Engineering, I didn’t realize anybody else was doing HO scale metal couplers. I guess I learn something new every day!!

3

Kadee has been making HO scale metal couplers for decades.

4

True clones of the Kadee #5.

I’ve got some on my newer Walther’s cars. They seem to be well made and pretty much the equal of a Kadee. They also cost closer to a Kadee price, just a little bit cheaper.

The big positive is that with these Proto Max couplers I suspect that most modelers won’t bother to change them out, and that will save some $ & time.

Mark Gosdin

5

It also says for coupling to locos with pilots - maybe they figured a way to put the “glad hand” on in reverse to clear the pilot[%-)] Other than Rapido, it sure would be nice if some other manufacturers cruised the forums so we could get the streight poop! If you call or e-mail them, who knows who you will get, and what they may know - or not!! [%-)]

6

Actually, Kadee does NOT make scale metal couplers. The only company that makes scale couplers is Sergent Engineering.

Kadee makes scale SIZED couplers, not scale couplers.

David B

7

I completely took Kadee for granted in not mentioning them in my original post. All I use are Kadees. I will go edit right away!!

8

Thank you for your brilliance!! We may have never known…

9

For example, here is a pic of a steamer with a knuckle coupler in it…

…and another with a Sergent Engeering coupler in it…

…and finally the prototype.

Sergent engineering makes a fine, fine product. There are 2 drawbacks…

  1. They wont mate nicely with Kadees or clones

  2. You have to order from them direct.

The top coupler is the model, the bottom is the prototype.

Web link…

http://www.sergentengineering.com/

Note that I am not affiliated or have any intrest in sergentengineering. This is soley for the purpose of information.

David B

10

I saw that, but it didn’t say metal. I’ve seen plastic referred to as “die cast” before.[:-^]

Still wonder what a reverse trip is?? Can’t find any good pictures of them online.

11

You forgot #3:

  1. You can’t use the magnetic uncoupling wand if there are diaphragms between cars (that would be most passenger cars) or other sizable obstructions.

I’ll also note the limited shank styles/lengths; though, since I haven’t installed any, this may not be a problem. I suspect it could be–that would be why Kadee does it.

Ed

12

Tsk…tsk…voicing an opinion without actually going through the process of installing what you have an opinion about…

This product is intended for a different audience, not the shake-and-bake crowd.

David B

13

  1. Why people insist on making kadee function properly with the sergent coupler is beyond me. It’s like trying to get kadee to work perfectly with the old horn hook couplers. Sure you can make Sergent and Kadee mate but it defeats the purpose of both couplers. As you say in your last post, it’s intended for a different audience so people should not try to mix kadee and sergent couplers. [2c]

  2. They can also be ordered from the proto:87 store.

14

That’s why I said “may”.

Ed

15

A reverse trip is simply the fake air hose turned 180 degrees, so it’s under the truck axle and not trying to mate with its opposite number. It has three advantages:

  1. Doesn’t stub its toe on US style loco pilots.
  2. Doesn’t tangle when uncoupling using the great hand from the sky method.
  3. Much less obtrusive.

OTOH, reversing the fake air hose on a gen-U-wine Kadee isn’t exactly rocket science, either.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

16

There is one in every crowd! =P

I think 99% of us took that post for what it was meant, to refer to HO scale couplers in general, not the "every part of the train, track and scene is exact to scale down to the gnats hind end.

Well, I’m sure you did edumacate the reader ship so that some folks who weren’t aware of this relatively small nich in the hobby are now aware!

Novices really gotta be careful when they come to train forums. They abound with train nerds! heh heh who know waaaaaaaaaaay too much about trains!

17

So they still work with a magnetic uncoupler, you just can’t see them as well, right?