LOOP COUPLERS ON ARISTOCRAFT

[Gavin Sowry]

8| Just tried replacing some Aristocraft couplers with stock standard Loop and Hook couplers. They foul the axle. Parts diagram shows these couplers as an alternative. Question, are the Aristocraft Loop and Hook couplers an Aristocraft special, or is there a secret recipie...... :impatient:

 

[beavercreek]

The Aristo hook and loops are slightly different Gavin.

ARISTO

LGB

 

[Gavin Sowry]

Thanks, I thought as much. I also tried swapping trucks.... USAT trucks do not work under Aristocraft wagons, they tend to catch, and derail on R1 curves.

 

[funandtrains]

The Aristo-Craft hook and loop couplers are actually an old REA design and don't fit most new Aristo-Craft wagons very well if at all without modification. The spings tend to pop out if knocked and get lost plus on some wagons the couplers are mounted a little low and the tail catches on track magnets, level crosings etc. I have shortened the tail on those I have fitted to avoid this. The orginal Delton hook and loop design was much better and a real pity that Aristo-Craft choose to drop this in facour of the REA type.

 

[Andrew]

I cut a piece off the lowest bit of the coupler, so it passes over the points with out catching. I also use an old credit card on a piece of timber dowel to insert between couplings. push down and twist to decouple. Photo from Paul "Stainz" Holt site
http://linzgstadtbahn.webs.com/tipsandtricks.htm
Andrew
Sandbar and Mudcrab Railway