Dorset Group May Meeting.

 We had a wealth of models at this months gathering more of which in the coming few days.
Nigel has been experimenting with the West Harptree couplings which we have discussed over some time.
He has attached a steel wire to the dropper of the coupling which is attracted to a magnet under the track.
This will enable coupling to take place wherever we choose- firstly I have a lot of stock to convert but I think it will be worth it in the end.

Kitmaster Mk 1 Couplings.

 As these three will run in a fixed rake, there is no need to provide uncoupling betwwen coaches- only the outer ends.
It needed something simple and this is what I have come up with.
A dressmakers brass pin is soldered to the loop and bent through 90 degrees. The upright on the loop prevents buffer lock and anyway these will only be pulled not pushed through reverse curves.
Simples!

Couplings-some close ups.

 I have some adjustments to do to the couplings after the last show.
So I have taken some more shots to show the couplings from Worsley Works to show them in operation.
The pictures are really self explanitory and show how simple they are in construction and use. Also, it shows how, when the picture is enlarged, that what seems square by my eye, are patently not so!
So onward to adjust for the next outing which should make my co-helpers a bit happier.

Worsley Works West Harptree Couplings

 Just to reitterate the confusion caused by the West Harptree couplings not appearing on Allans site-
Here is a refresher plus CLICK THE LINK where it says Worsley works on the left and use the contact us details for e-mail enquiries.

Couplings

Here, just to the right of the crane is the uncoupling wire. Hard to see, that was the object of the exercise.I did experiment initially with a clear perspex ramp bu it was too strong and had the effect of lifting the wagons or stalling passing locos.
At the moment,'Hennock' is stored so I cannot show the uncoupler with a wagon, but when getting ready for the next exhibition I will photograph how it works.
As you may guess, i am getting better with the camera, I am especial;;y impressed with yesterdays close up of the finished coupling. Bear in mind the unit is only 12mm in width so I am getting better!

Couplings

 To attach each piece of rolling stock to another I use a Worsley Works etch. These are called West Harptree couplings, so called because they were developed for use on Mike Corps layout of that name.
Consisting of a two part etch, a hook and a carrier/pivot, these can be obtained in brass or nickel silver. They are very much like the Anita couplings produced by peco/ Tri-ang for many years. They are much finer and closer coupling can be achieved.

Firstly a brass pin is passed through the dropper on the hook and soldered. A half  loop of phospher bronze wire is formed and attached to the carrier with a short upright piece soldered to the left side, this to prevent buffer lock when pushing. A pin is passed through the pivot to make the finished coupling as on the left. I usually batch build these with the other coupling for each piece of stock just having a half hoop and upright.
Uncoupling is by a wire between the rails biased to one side, this is allowed to move in a loop at the other end-when under tension the couplings ride over, when reversed the wire lifts the coupling thus allowing stock to be parted.