I am looking for the coupler dimensions that were typical on 80 to 85 foot heavyweight passenger cars as they were configured in the 1950s. In particular, look for length of coupler from pulling face to "pivot" point and distance from "pivot" point to the end of the car frame.
Need these dimensions to try and get things right on my HO-scale cars.
Don't know for sure if I have that information but I'll look around the library. You do know of course that most likely those prototype dimensions will probably not work unless your curves are VERY broad in radius and there are no 'S' curves.
I took a ride on the Tennessee Valley RR museum in Chattanooga on Saturday. TVRR has a wye at its Grand Junction terminus and I watched the crew turn a 2-8-0 plus 3 heavyweight cars passenger cars on track that didn't appear to have much larger curves than what I have on my model RR.
Sorry I haven't replied sooner, some urgent family matters have taken up most of my time. I'll have a chance in the next couple days to search around. My father was a great fan of passenger cars/trains. I'm the steam/freight nut in the family.
Sorry for the wait, perhaps someone else could chime in with some ideas or dimensions in the meantime.
Dean, no problem with delay as serious work on the model RR will have to wait a few months as I am being retired on 1 October and need to get my consulting business (chemistry and toxicology with focus on tobacco products) started ASAP. First step on the RR will be some track and wiring rearrangements to ensure that the minimum curve radii will be 24" except in one place where I have some curved turnouts that have an 18" inner radius.
RE: Passenger car coupler question
RE: Passenger car coupler question
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