Post by Administrator on Dec 18, 2009 17:01:30 GMT -5
Have you noticed that couplings often can't be made when attempted on a curve?
Even on 72" or larger curves it often doesn't work well because each coupling arm points straight ahead on each wheel truck and it doesn't align well with the other coupling and they may miss making the proper fit.
However, even when the two couplings do fit together correctly on a gentle curve, they often don't lock closed. I noticed that when my engine with electro coupler open, approached a stationary car with closed coupling in a direction that is a left curve for the engine (84" or 100" curve), they would not lock closed. BUT, on a right turn they would always lock closed. The explanation seems to be that on a left turn, due to the angle, the coupling doesn't press enough into the electrocoupler to make it lock, while in the other direction during a right turn, the angle of the curve actually helps lock the connection.
Even on 72" or larger curves it often doesn't work well because each coupling arm points straight ahead on each wheel truck and it doesn't align well with the other coupling and they may miss making the proper fit.
However, even when the two couplings do fit together correctly on a gentle curve, they often don't lock closed. I noticed that when my engine with electro coupler open, approached a stationary car with closed coupling in a direction that is a left curve for the engine (84" or 100" curve), they would not lock closed. BUT, on a right turn they would always lock closed. The explanation seems to be that on a left turn, due to the angle, the coupling doesn't press enough into the electrocoupler to make it lock, while in the other direction during a right turn, the angle of the curve actually helps lock the connection.