hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Mar 10, 2024 11:43:25 GMT -5
Thank you shamoo373 my master^^
I will try this and post some report soon!
Best hideaki
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Post by stevew on Mar 11, 2024 16:01:24 GMT -5
Thanks for starting this thread and sharing your info. I'm about to start converting everything possible to MTL couplers. I would leave well enough alone but I like to do a fair amount of switching so I prefer MTL. I thought I may have been the only Z scaler using a ProtoThrottle, nice to see someone else using one! Steve W Hi Steve, Oh yeah! Protothrottle is the most suitable for American diesels. I think it's very functional for switching operation. I use Tsunami2, ESU Loksound FX as "ground decoders", they are consisting by CV19 to each Loco's onboard decorder. Of course, I know that there are small sound decorders for Z on the market, but their sounds are so tiny. This is a last resort to enjoy loud diesel sounds on Z scale.. If you have any idea for this, show me plz! Sorry for the delayed response! So far I have not installed any under-layout decoders but will be doing so in the next couple of weeks. The PT came about when I was dabbling in a not-to-be-mentioned other scale. Your wiring is so neatly done there's no way I'm sharing a photo of the underside of my layout. Steve W
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Post by stevew on Mar 11, 2024 16:17:03 GMT -5
Some great info here! I decided to see if I could improve the AZL couplers before converting a large roster. What I did was to remove a tiny portion of the knuckle spring (see photo). Then I sanded and burnished all of the coupler mating surfaces. There is a mold part line that I removed (not sure how much that will help). Either way I burnished everything until it was nice and smooth. I then used a #2 pencil to coat the coupler surfaces, and a tiny amount of powdered graphite (Kadee Greas-Em) inside the coupler box. Initial testing showed that I can couple at slightly slower speeds, and uncoupling is a bit easier since the knuckle can now open a bit more than a stock coupler. I'll continue to experiment and report my findings. Steve W Attachments:
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Post by ednadolski on Mar 11, 2024 20:41:57 GMT -5
If you have any good ideas, please let me know!
For ideas, this was originally a project I did for N scale, and I have installed on a fair portion of my N fleet. Still I don't see any reason it could not be used for Z. This is the Z-scale coupler that is used in the Full Throttle trucks, but is actually made by Lee English at Bowser (and has been informally dubbed as "the LEZ coupler") (the FT truck itself IIRC is called the "Bowser Buckler",but for this project we were able to get just the couplers without the rest of the truck). Here it is in a coupler pocket that I had designed and etched out of brass.
It's worked pretty reliably for N scale, so Z should be fine too. It does take a bit more of a 'push' to couple cars than the MTL couplers, but it does have the distinct benefit of eliminating the (in)famous "slinky" or "pogo" action of the MT couplers -- a decided plus when running long trains.
IDK if folks would have much interest in this sort of thing, as it is more of a 'science project' thing than any actual project, and it takes a bit of hands-on work to assemble/install. Anyways, just though it might be fun to look over something a little different
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Post by stevew on Mar 12, 2024 17:12:16 GMT -5
If you have any good ideas, please let me know! For ideas, this was originally a project I did for N scale, and I have installed on a fair portion of my N fleet. Still I don't see any reason it could not be used for Z. This is the Z-scale coupler that is used in the Full Throttle trucks, but is actually made by Lee English at Bowser (and has been informally dubbed as "the LEZ coupler") (the FT truck itself IIRC is called the "Bowser Buckler",but for this project we were able to get just the couplers without the rest of the truck). Here it is in a coupler pocket that I had designed and etched out of brass. It's worked pretty reliably for N scale, so Z should be fine too. It does take a bit more of a 'push' to couple cars than the MTL couplers, but it does have the distinct benefit of eliminating the (in)famous "slinky" or "pogo" action of the MT couplers -- a decided plus when running long trains. IDK if folks would have much interest in this sort of thing, as it is more of a 'science project' thing than any actual project, and it takes a bit of hands-on work to assemble/install. Anyways, just though it might be fun to look over something a little different I am a fan of Lee's coupler too. I would like to use his coupler but want to avoid having too many mixed couplers on the layout. When I was in N scale I really hated the MTL slinky effect. So I'm at a crossroads with the coupler situation. I am going to put more effort into the AZL coupler, and if the results aren't satisfactory then I'll move on. FWIW the trucks and couplers on the Atlas Evans boxcar are from Bowser. I've been testing them extensively and they are performing very well. Steve W
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
|
Post by hideaki on Mar 13, 2024 11:55:03 GMT -5
Some great info here! I decided to see if I could improve the AZL couplers before converting a large roster. What I did was to remove a tiny portion of the knuckle spring (see photo). Then I sanded and burnished all of the coupler mating surfaces. There is a mold part line that I removed (not sure how much that will help). Either way I burnished everything until it was nice and smooth. I then used a #2 pencil to coat the coupler surfaces, and a tiny amount of powdered graphite (Kadee Greas-Em) inside the coupler box. Initial testing showed that I can couple at slightly slower speeds, and uncoupling is a bit easier since the knuckle can now open a bit more than a stock coupler. I'll continue to experiment and report my findings. Steve W Steve, thank you for your report.
Plz show me trial follows! It seems like the FT Lee's coupler mentioned by ednadolski. I have some, and I think they work very well. (I wish I could actuate remote uncoupling...)
BTW I have previously used PTFE lubricants (e.g. Labelle 112) on couplers, but I have found that graphite lubricants are important for KDs. Using pencil was very helpful!
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
|
Post by hideaki on Mar 13, 2024 12:41:05 GMT -5
If you have any good ideas, please let me know!
For ideas, this was originally a project I did for N scale, and I have installed on a fair portion of my N fleet. Still I don't see any reason it could not be used for Z. This is the Z-scale coupler that is used in the Full Throttle trucks, but is actually made by Lee English at Bowser (and has been informally dubbed as "the LEZ coupler") (the FT truck itself IIRC is called the "Bowser Buckler",but for this project we were able to get just the couplers without the rest of the truck). Here it is in a coupler pocket that I had designed and etched out of brass.
It's worked pretty reliably for N scale, so Z should be fine too. It does take a bit more of a 'push' to couple cars than the MTL couplers, but it does have the distinct benefit of eliminating the (in)famous "slinky" or "pogo" action of the MT couplers -- a decided plus when running long trains.
IDK if folks would have much interest in this sort of thing, as it is more of a 'science project' thing than any actual project, and it takes a bit of hands-on work to assemble/install. Anyways, just though it might be fun to look over something a little different
Hi ednadolski,
That's a very interesting job! WOW I'm currently working on both the main track and switching yard layouts. Therefore, the coupler should actuate remote uncoupling.
Surely! MTL slinky phenomenon is certainly very frustrating, I know..
#MTL-1953 Truck Retaining Springs improves this, but the number of towed freight car is limited...oh what should i do..
After thinking about it, I realized something. The MTL #903 that I assembled tended to have weaker centering action than #905(factory assembled), but this seems to be due to the centering springs having different lengths. As you know, each package of #903 includes 6 springs. Looking carefully, they are different lengths as shown in the photo. I don't know there have some special reason, but it will be improved by using a longer one.
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Mar 13, 2024 12:59:53 GMT -5
I am very grateful to both of you. Steve suggested the possibility of Lee's coupler. Ednadolski also demonstrated its reliability through examples. And when I was wondering what kind of function the "small potion" that Steve mentioned had, it occurred to me that remote uncoupling could be possible by some modification on the knuckle side. (However, this seems to touch on some patent...)
Either way, the world of Z Scale is full of wonders worth exploring!
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Post by ednadolski on Mar 13, 2024 20:11:17 GMT -5
Steve suggested the possibility of Lee's coupler. Ednadolski also demonstrated its reliability through examples.
For anyone interested in the LEZ, it's probably a good idea to get in touch with Lee wrt availability. I'm not sure what the current situation is, but previously some of us from the TRW forum were able to buy them in bulk from Lee, assembled but without any truck.
The couplers are plenty strong for Z-scale. I recall one test, where I was able to lift a static weight of nearly 16 ounces. Here is a quick link to a vid of my old N-scale layout, where every car in the train is equipped with LEZs:
(FWIW, Tehachapi is something I have in mind for a Z scale layout -- tho currently I don't have nearly as many Z scale cars or locos).
Ed
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Post by BAZman on Mar 14, 2024 11:35:38 GMT -5
Artist’s supply shops sell a variety of graphite pencils, various densities. That might make faster to ‘lube’. Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Blink, etc.
You also use them grease and diesel dribbles too 😉
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Post by stevew on Mar 15, 2024 7:54:19 GMT -5
I am very grateful to both of you. Steve suggested the possibility of Lee's coupler. Ednadolski also demonstrated its reliability through examples. And when I was wondering what kind of function the "small potion" that Steve mentioned had, it occurred to me that remote uncoupling could be possible by some modification on the knuckle side. (However, this seems to touch on some patent...)
Either way, the world of Z Scale is full of wonders worth exploring!
You are correct, I was referring to the remote uncoupling that MTL couplers offer. My use of "small portion" is just a wild guess on my part. I just know I don't see very many Z scalers using this function. Remote uncoupling relies on the wire trip pin, which is not included with the Bowser coupler. I'm not sure how feasible it would be to modify the Bowser for remote uncoupling. I'm not sure I would go to that extent. Besides, even with a "full" trip pin the Bowser coupler may not open enough to allow for remote uncoupling. When I design track plans for my layouts I ensure that any industries or yards that I will want to switch are easily reachable. And I certainly agree with your last sentence! Steve W
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Post by ednadolski on Mar 15, 2024 10:14:57 GMT -5
Remote uncoupling relies on the wire trip pin, which is not included with the Bowser coupler.
The Bowser/LEZ couplers that I have do have the wire trip pin, tho I cut them off since I use a dental pick to uncouple cars when switching.
BTW and FWIW, one other option I am looking at is the Micro Trains Tru-Scale coupler, which is scale-sized for N but seems usable for Z. Some folks over on TRW have done a 3D printed pocket for it, which is a lot smaller than the standard MT box. It has no slinky or springs, but it is a manual coupler and no provision for magnetic operation. You do need good lighting and a steady hand to uncouple it with the pick
Ed
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Mar 17, 2024 8:32:40 GMT -5
Steve suggested the possibility of Lee's coupler. Ednadolski also demonstrated its reliability through examples.
For anyone interested in the LEZ, it's probably a good idea to get in touch with Lee wrt availability. I'm not sure what the current situation is, but previously some of us from the TRW forum were able to buy them in bulk from Lee, assembled but without any truck.
Hi Ed,
Thanks for information, I would like to try soon. So long train! I wish I could..
My house is so so tiny, so my layout also. And there are many inclines, multi-level reverse loops. Upper 12 freight cars or 8 passenger cars can be towed by MU engines. Anyway long train is fantastic.
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
|
Post by hideaki on Mar 17, 2024 8:40:54 GMT -5
Artist’s supply shops sell a variety of graphite pencils, various densities. That might make faster to ‘lube’. Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Blink, etc. You also use them grease and diesel dribbles too 😉
Good evening BAZman, Yes, that's helpful indeed.I don't have any american z scale dealers around here in my country, so even if I just want one bottle of manufacturer-specified grease, the only way to get it is to order it by expensive international shipping..My wife gets mad at me...
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
|
Post by hideaki on Mar 17, 2024 9:10:19 GMT -5
I am very grateful to both of you. Steve suggested the possibility of Lee's coupler. Ednadolski also demonstrated its reliability through examples. And when I was wondering what kind of function the "small potion" that Steve mentioned had, it occurred to me that remote uncoupling could be possible by some modification on the knuckle side. (However, this seems to touch on some patent...)
Either way, the world of Z Scale is full of wonders worth exploring!
When I design track plans for my layouts I ensure that any industries or yards that I will want to switch are easily reachable. Here is my switching layout unit in work. Each blue circle is a remote uncoupling point. Normally the classification, yard lead and arrival track should be placed in straight line, but as you can see, this layout is very small(1448x700mm = 1.75x2.3ft), with slopes of up to 4.5%. I can not ensure..and at most 10 freight cars per train..I want a big house..
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