Andrew-372848

I initially got the starter pack and after some experimentation found that the Close coupling is optimal for my layout and that is what I've fitted on these and my other rolling stock. However, you might get away with the Extra Close ones if you don't have tight curves or crossovers.

I only have two of the coaches, but both are a little droopy on both ends compared to the power/dummy locomotive. As you say the attraction of the magnetic couplings compensates for this very well. I seemed to get into a right tangle with the original couplings compared to some of the other rolling stock I had at the time and have now switched entirely to the WHWW ones. I prefer the simplicity of just pulling the rolling stock apart over the ability to shunt with out manual intervention.

I contemplated getting one of those, but was put off by reports that the camera's companion App didn't work on current versions of phone/tablet software. How did you set the Polaroid up and retrieve the footage (which appears to be excellent by the way)? I did buy something similar, but the picture is rubbish - too much judder to be of any use. Thanks.

@Rallymatt Just getting back to this. Did you just insert the pellets through the open cab window and possibly squirt some adhesive in to keep them in place? I've got some 3mm ball bearings which I'm hoping to use, but the blighters have a mind of their own and seem to propel themselves at great speed whenever I attempt to pick one up! Thanks.

I think I might have raised this initially, but same issue nonetheless. I too have replaced them with medium length Hunt Elite Couplings with no issues. Runs well in both directions. The small length couplings caused the coaches to derail on the curves.

... and what material did you use to weigh it down?

All your posts are making me feel much better about my own impatience and I am glad that I am not the only one who constantly checks tracking and order status! I’ve nothing on order at the moment, at least not from Hornby. 🤗 Currently my “when will it arrive anxiety” has been focused on tracking the progress of my new car as it progresses through manufacture to delivery. Finally today relief has come and it has arrived at the dealership, unfortunately I was out with out my phone when the call came!!! 😒

No additional charges on my order direct from them. Shipping conditions to UK state:

I have a couple of these boxes myself and find them very suitable for local storage. Made from sturdy cardboard and a soft foam insert. The slots are generous so the items drop in without force. Quick delivery from Germany.

Difficult to say, but you could feel the temperature difference when the door to the cupboard was opened, like opening the fridge. At a guess I’d say ~10 degrees centigrade. Everything felt really cold to the touch. Sorry for being so vague.

Yes indeed it is extremely sure footed and very smooth at lower speeds too. That's going to be one fab layout you have there!!

Many thanks for this detailed description of the coupler workings, I have never quite understood the mechanism. I'll try and follow your guidance, however I do find working with the smaller items in this scale quite difficult so I'll need a day when my hand/eye coordination is working! 🙂

Checking the Mk3 couplings with the Pullman they are identical and as you might have suspected both coupled/decoupled together without issue. I did do this at eye level, so it looks. like my technique at layout level is lacking or I might need to use a wider implement to raise the hooks. I failed miserably installing the Hornby uncouplers which I have now removed, the sprung ramp would not stay clipped to the rails.

Great video, very informative. I'll order some of the two alternatives to the Hornby supplied couplings and see how it goes.

I’ll need to check.

Same here, but I can’t leave them on the layout and hence the difficulty uncoupling.

Interestingly I don’t have a problem with my other rolling stock (Pullman coaches and various goods wagons), just this set. I note there are also magnetic couplings on the market, does anyone have experience of those?

Not loving the couplings on this nor on the coaches. I’m finding that they won’t couple easily and separation is nigh impossible as the hooks become entangled. I’ve had to remove them from the pocket in order to separate them. I’ve read on another thread that there are alternatives (I think it was one of @Rallymatt’s posts) Tillig I believe. So would these be suitable - TILLIG 8840 TT COUPLING FOR NEM COUPLING POCKET? It’s driving me to distraction! 😕

They actually arrived yesterday, but I’ve only managed to unbox them today due to “domestic” issues, so my excitement is still in abeyance until tomorrow when the fun begins. 😀

My HST set with two coaches, two decoders and 4 Total tank wagons. Still in their boxes as DPD delivered late in the day. Holding my excitement until tomorrow!

Indeed. Hopefully this is just a temporary condition while the house is not adequately heated. 🙂

Could well be. I’ve noticed a couple of sticking points, just a slight hesitation, which I’ve been meaning to clean. I’ll attend to that tomorrow before running in my HST and see if the running improves. Thanks.