hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Feb 19, 2024 0:58:56 GMT -5
Hi Folks,
I need your help to swap the AZL coupler to MTL magnetic coupler.
I have replaced many AZL freight cars with MTL trucks and #903 body mount couplers. AZL shows about SW1500 so I was able to replace it. And for GP38-2, I made a homemade mount and installed it. However, there are no good solutions for SD45, SD70, and ES44. If you have any good ideas, please let me know!
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Feb 19, 2024 1:01:49 GMT -5
This is my method for swapping freight cars, but if there is a better way please let me know. Attachments:
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Feb 19, 2024 1:04:42 GMT -5
By the way, I made a permanent magnet actuator under the floor of the switchyard using ESU Switch Pilot and a small servo. These work so great indeed, no need to worry about unexpected coupler release. Attachments:
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einot
Engineer
Posts: 102
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Post by einot on Feb 19, 2024 4:37:08 GMT -5
Great idea with the under layout magnets!
-Eino
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
|
Post by hideaki on Feb 20, 2024 12:50:37 GMT -5
Great idea with the under layout magnets! -Eino Tank you Eino! Do you use MTL KD coupler function? |
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Post by BAZman on Feb 21, 2024 2:22:18 GMT -5
That some BIG magnet you have there. I used 1/8x1/8x1" ceramic. Its side polarized (not End-to-End that you would think). That spec in MTL's patent and there huge flat N scale one. Clever. Very interesting.  |
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einot
Engineer
Posts: 102
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Post by einot on Feb 21, 2024 2:27:55 GMT -5
Great idea with the under layout magnets! -Eino Tank you Eino! Do you use MTL KD coupler function? Hi, I've only been experimenting with neodymium magnets so far and definitely going to use them on the spots where I wish to have uncoupling chance. -Eino |
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
|
Post by hideaki on Feb 21, 2024 7:50:26 GMT -5
That some BIG magnet you have there. I used 1/8x1/8x1" ceramic. Its side polarized (not End-to-End that you would think). That spec in MTL's patent and there huge flat N scale one. Clever. Very interesting. Thank you for reply BAZ Man, How did you modify AZL loco couplers to KD? What about SD45 and Sd70s? Yeah there are so big I know, at first, I also tried MTL patent ceramic magnets and many kinds of similar-ish products. Neodium magnets works well, but actuating point is so peaky, so that needs higher driving skills. On the other hands this large magnet is made of twin 60x12x4.5mm ceramic magnets. They are arranged in two vertical directions, creating a magnetic line vector and polarity to ensure coupler bars opened in large area. By the way, in the US, switcing operations are not so much popular for Z scalers? I know HO guys like them seeing in many youtube hootages, because there are not so many American model rail friends around in Japan..... |
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Feb 21, 2024 7:55:22 GMT -5
Tank you Eino! Do you use MTL KD coupler function? Hi, I've only been experimenting with neodymium magnets so far and definitely going to use them on the spots where I wish to have uncoupling chance. -Eino hmmm sounds great! Have fun with switching operations in Z scale!! And if you dont mind show me your magnetic modification ideas! |
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einot
Engineer
Posts: 102
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Post by einot on Feb 21, 2024 8:25:59 GMT -5
Hi hideaki,
I'd show, but I haven't switched any AZL loco couplers yet and mostly use MTL wagons that have the magnetic coupler already.
-Eino
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Post by shamoo737 on Feb 21, 2024 9:22:52 GMT -5
I switch the guts of the AZL coupler with MTL’s. Trim the nipples off the MTL coupler. Then drill a hole in the coupler cover, and secure it with a MTL screw. It doesn’t as wide as a full MTL coupler, but it will do automatic uncoupling.
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Post by shamoo737 on Feb 21, 2024 9:29:35 GMT -5
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Feb 21, 2024 11:27:10 GMT -5
I switch the guts of the AZL coupler with MTL’s. Trim the nipples off the MTL coupler. Then drill a hole in the coupler cover, and secure it with a MTL screw. It doesn’t as wide as a full MTL coupler, but it will do automatic uncoupling. Hi shamoo737,
Thank you Woow!! That's a super lightning idea for me!!
I'm trying it right now, but I have a question. "Trim the nipples" means the NIPPLEs of my pic? And should I cut the existing pins? How about centering spring?
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Post by shamoo737 on Feb 21, 2024 23:47:27 GMT -5
Yes, cut the nipples, and you will used the centering springs and post. You will also need to trim the tabs in the cover. The cover has to flush, and you will screw the screw into the post to hold the cover . Also don’t forget to add greas-em to the pocket.
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Feb 22, 2024 8:43:40 GMT -5
Yes, cut the nipples, and you will used the centering springs and post. You will also need to trim the tabs in the cover. The cover has to flush, and you will screw the screw into the post to hold the cover . Also don’t forget to add greas-em to the pocket. Hi shamoo737, Thank you for detail ! I followed the teacher's instructions. I inserted an tiny washer (SUS T=.3mm)and made the height even. They work so great on each uncoupling point! Thank you my master!
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