Are there any types of diaphragms for passenger cars that work with tighter curves?

yellow_cad Jan 9, 2019

  1. yellow_cad

    yellow_cad TrainBoard Member

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    I realize that the more realistic diaphragms don't work on tighter curves, but I was wondering if there wasn't something that would work with tighter curves. I'm just looking for something that puts something between the cars to suggest the proper look even though not fully connected. Maybe only have the diaphragm on one of the cars connected. Any thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated. Jim
     
  2. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    I've used the American Limited Models diaphragms on my E/F unit locos, to hide the large spacing between them. They work just fine.
     
  3. yellow_cad

    yellow_cad TrainBoard Member

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    But I see it advised not to use these with a radius of less than 15 inches. My curves are tighter than this.
     
  4. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    I have radii down to 12.75" on my home layout, and have no problems
     
  5. yellow_cad

    yellow_cad TrainBoard Member

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    I have a couple of curves down to 8 inch.
     
  6. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    There are spacers in the AL diaphragm kit that can set the diaphragms out further from the car body but the main issue is how far the things will depress. They will run on 9.75 but I don't know if anything less that that. Years ago I ran across someone who had N scale foam diaphragms. But I cannot remember if they were for sale or he made them for himself. A very soft foam would be what you want but one would have to use a water based glue in order not to dissolve the foam.
     
  7. BarstowRick

    BarstowRick TrainBoard Supporter

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    On the very outside of the very end of the diaphragm you can place a clear piece of plastic so they slide past each other. You know, on the sharper curves.

    Of course wider curves are always the better curves but some of us just can't manage that. What? What? What did he say?
     
    Josta likes this.
  8. Josta

    Josta TrainBoard Supporter

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    BarstowRick nailed it; the thin clear plastic does the trick. I do the same thing on my HO scale layout; I cut the plastic the same size and shape as the diaphragm strike plate on passenger cars that are mid-train (e.g. no marker lights) to keep them from snagging on each other especially in S curves. Make sure the diaphragms barely touch each other when the train is stretched out; they are otherwise invisible mid-train.

    For my operating diaphragms I kitbash IHC (increasingly hard to find) and Walthers diaphragms, such as this one at the end of Santa Fe's Fast Mail AKA the G&P Slow Mail (BarstowRick will know exactly what I mean lol). Anyways, no clear plastic here since it is used at the end of the train.

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    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    BarstowRick and MK like this.
  9. DCESharkman

    DCESharkman TrainBoard Member

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    Are the American Limited Models diaphragms still in business, still available? I have not seen them in a long time.....
     
  10. BarstowRick

    BarstowRick TrainBoard Supporter

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    If and when I get BarstowRick.com back-up and working. Right about now I don't think that's going to happen.

    I would like to team up with John A. and post an article about passenger car diaphragms on How-To's. Any work-able and do-able ideas or tips that would help others enjoy the hobby.

    Thanks John for the comeback.
     
  11. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    As far as I know and they still have a website. Some years ago I seem to remember to firm changed hands and it took awhile to get back into production again.
     
  12. Tony Burzio

    Tony Burzio TrainBoard Supporter

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    I used soft grey foam between my F Units. Looks great from normal viewing distances.
     

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