Hi There, May20th,2000. I am Considering equiping all my N Scale Diesels with Unimate Couplers. Brown or Black, Medium Size. I would Appreciate some Input with the possibility of having some one help me out etc. If Interested please let me know or Contact me at - grandtrunkent@RRmail.com. Special Thanks. Andrew, Calgary.
Why Unimates? There are other choices, especially M-T's... Atlas is coming out with the Accumate coupler on their new SD35's and will soon be releasing it on their cars as well. The new ATlas coupler is supposed to be compatible with M-T's. Do you plan to do any switching or remote uncoupling? Chessie
I believe the Atlas couplers are totally compatable including auto uncoupling. It will be great to be able to buy Atlas equipment already fitted with knuckle couplers. My only concern is what extra costs Atlas will be charging ------------------ http://members.optusnet.com.au/~pcassar/index [This message has been edited by Colonel (edited 21 May 2000).]
I haven't tried unimates on locomotives, but at one point I had a string of coal hoppers outfitted with them, based on the theory that a unit train wouldn't do much switching, so why go the extra bucks for MT. As it turned out, not using MT led to a LOT of derailment problems. I've run into the same thing with Kato's dummy knuckle couplers on an SD 40-2, due, I believe, to not having sufficient side play in the coupler. So, the moral of the story is, go with MT until something comes along which can prove itself to be as reliable. Jenks - the REAL big blue.
I think that people shouldn't worry about the couplers for long trains (aka...unswitchable). The reasons I get the MT couplers are these: 1. The couplers look good 2. The couplers coupler VERY good (even on corners....but not with body mount) 3. The third (maybe the biggest) reson is that all MT trucks are the same height, therefor you will have a standard and not have to worry about coupler heights, etc. Another thing is that the MT trucks roll GREAT!! I have 60 (not bragging, just making a point) twin tub gondolas that run like a charm, and yuh know what, they ALL have the same trucks and couplers! Just my thoughts...... ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing [This message has been edited by Craig Martyn (edited 21 May 2000).]
I agree with Craig about the wisdom of having all trucks/couplers of one type - compatability. But the main reason I fit M/T trucks to all my stock is that no other trucks run so freely. I could live with other types of coupler if they perform well, but not some of the trucks/wheels that are around, although it is a drag having to fork out extra cash to fit new trucks to everything. Pity they don't sell some without trucks, as I only throw them away! ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
On my SDxx engines, I use Unimates. It has eliminated un-wanted uncoupling. Also, the MT's installed on the OMI SD70 & 75's prevented smooth curves because of contact between the trucks and couplers. My cars do run MT's. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
Thats another thing I didn't get to (thanks Alan), the MT trucks run so freely and most (if not all) truck types are available! ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing
Well here in Canada it costs 7 bucks to convert each Atlas car to MT's. I'm sure the Atlas couplers will not add that much to each car. Of course it may be about time the NMRA get off its laurels and come up with a defacto standard coupler for N-scale!! <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Colonel: I believe the Atlas couplers are totally compatable including auto uncoupling. It will be great to be able to buy Atlas equipment already fitted with knuckle couplers. My only concern is what extra costs Atlas will be charging <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Calling Eagle2, this is Harold. Thank you for visiting my page and the compliment. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
The only thing that I use Unimates for is coupling my A-B-B-A F-7's up. The short shanks make them couple real close. But on the "train side" of the units (the noses), it MicroTrains all the way. I'm waiting to pass judgment on the new Atlas couplers until I use some, but I hear they work well. ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style! Brent Tidaback, Member #234
I heard from Paul Graf at Atlas that the Accumates will be sold individually. They are finalizing packaging and pricing. Look for them this summer. ------------------ Mike Drzycimski Arlington, TX The Southview Lines www.crosswinds.net/~mdrzycimski
Regarding the Accumate coupler from Atlas, I saw it on the Atlas web page and the coupler itself looks very promising. I think I'd hold off on any mass conversion to Unimates until I had the opportunity to try them out. I understand some new Atlas equipment include the accumate coupler. Have any of you had the chance to test drive them? ------------------ Keep on the right track!!
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by virtual-bird: without getting executed.. whats wrong with rapidos? most things come with them...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I can't believe you said that!!! ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
hey Im new to this! its a serious question... ok they dont look like the real thing, but to me that dont matter.. as long as I can have fun who cares?
Unimates are EVIL. Don't go there. I like Microtrains/Kadee couplers for freight and I use KATO couplers for passenger. The Kato couplers are compatible with MT and will automatically couple/uncouple whereas with the unimates you have to take the car completely off of the track to couple/uncouple. Joe McLain Northwest GA NTRAK
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Grantha: Well here in Canada it costs 7 bucks to convert each Atlas car to MT's. I'm sure the Atlas couplers will not add that much to each car. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Seven dollars per car seems too high to me. Is that in the bulk pack? I almost never buy the MT's in single packs unless it is a special circumstance. The bulk packs have enough trucks for 10 cars and cost about $40.00 MSRP. It's not too hard to get them for about 80% of that. ------------------ Rett http://canyonmtngineers.homestead.com/CanMtNgineers.html
Canada, its not $$7!!! Dude, if you are racking out $7 to get the standard and simple modern freight car truck (Part #1029 [?]) then you are getting totally jipped! I get them for about $4-5 Depending the exchange rate at the time. If you do coupler only, you can get it cheaper. I went to alot of US Hobby Stores in my time (albeit a short one) and have found Canada to be alot cheaper in terms of couplers. Happy Railroading! Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
