7mm F*** Parkinson's - Occasional 7mm Workbench

[James]

Impressed.

Thank you

 

[James]

I've been fitting Dapol screw couplings to various things recently and they look rather well.



However when coupled...



The gap is rather big.

Three links give a better gap.



And with the instanter link upright the gap is pretty much correct.



I just need a screw couplings option which doesn't break the bank!

 

[James]

I really like the Dapol BR vans, very little needs doing to them - I replaced the troublesome hook and added chalkboards at either end and it still needs vacuum pipes.

The latest mineral wagon has had a coal load added.

 

[paulc]

I've been fitting Dapol screw couplings to various things recently and they look rather well.

View attachment 261019

However when coupled...

View attachment 261016

The gap is rather big.

Three links give a better gap.

View attachment 261017

And with the instanter link upright the gap is pretty much correct.

View attachment 261018

I just need a screw couplings option which doesn't break the bank!

This may be a dumb reply but can't you screw the couplings up to close the gap ?

 

[James]

This may be a dumb reply but can't you screw the couplings up to close the gap ?

Not a dumb reply at all.

The centre section is a one piece casting, so in this case so isn't adjustable.

 

[paulc]

Not a dumb reply at all.

The centre section is a one piece casting, so in this case so isn't adjustable.

Ah, yes that could be an issue . Can you not replace it with an adjustable unit ?

 

[simond]

The only ready-made adjustable ones I’m aware of are Premier. According to the website, they’re a tenner a pair. I know Billy offers trade packs but I don’t know the price.

LG miniatures do a set of castings which don’t adjust but perhaps could be made to, they’re £18.

I expect Ragstone do something similar.

I‘m sure most if not all the kit suppliers would sell the castings

i guess it’s a question of what breaks the bank, or DIY which I fear looks like hard work.

if you do go with Premier ones, nip the end of the screw to prevent the trunnion coming off. You can imagine how I know.

best
Simon

 

[daifly]

CPL also do screw coupling kits Couplings
as do Slater's
and Sidelines SideLines - Components
and CSP L&F20 - 7mm Finescale Coupling
and PRMRP GEN040 - Loco Screw Couplings
and Springside (item 72) 7mm | Springside Models
There are other sources too.
Not all are working couplings!
Dave

 

[Genghis]

Slaters do a very nice set of screw couplings: £15.01

Slater's Plastikard - 7mm Scale Locomotive Fittings

We specialise in fine scale model railway kits and accessories in a number of different scales

slatersplastikard.com

 

[Osgood]

Rant mode ON I do wish suppliers would show images (and maybe even the odd dimension) of the items they offer. Rant mode OFF

 

[James]

I really like both CPL and LG couplings - I use them on locos.

i guess it’s a question of what breaks the bank

That's the key thing for me - I can't justify £15 or more for every vehicle requiring screw couplings.

I could do with a larger version of the 4mm Masokits screw couplings.

 

[James]

I bought this some time ago, a second hand kit and it's been hard going as some of the sprues are moulded in incredibly brittle plastic for some reason. Beyond the very careful handling it's been quite pleasant so far.



I'm not bothering with the cabin interior as it it'll never be seen and a good chunk of lead occupies the interior instead. Similarly much of the brake gear has been omitted as the weight boxes would hide it completely!

I'm working from this photo -

https://flic.kr/p/U7XmpL

You might notice the end differs from the Slater's kit, there's an extra panel line at the nearest end - repair perhaps?