These are fantastic couplers. Probably the most realistic Scharfenberg couplers out there, and the magnetic coupling is seamless and genius. It's a shame they're hard to come by nowadays, they'd be a best seller
Is it possible to replace the self-tapping screws Southern Rail provided with small bolts that don't strip the plastic? I believe Jaycar sell bolts this size. Another idea which is controversial for the VLocity to fix the self-centering issue, Cut off the washer with attached springs from the old coupling and glue it on top (upside-down perspective) of the new Scharfenberg coupler. This would make the coupling thicker but if you find those small bolts suggested above it should not affect its coupler height or part durability.
Since the making of this video, I've converted another 4 sets. Some of these were fitted with little bolts, so it's defiantly possible, assuming the thread hasn't been damaged too much. That's an interesting perspective to returning the centering to the couplings. Although that may work, I'm thinking that it will be too tight for the coupling to fit into its box. Over tightening the screw would damage the threading and using a longer bolt wouldn't secure the cover plate as it'll leave a gap as well causing friction between the chassis and the cover. Would be interesting to try though.
These are fantastic couplers. Probably the most realistic Scharfenberg couplers out there, and the magnetic coupling is seamless and genius.
It's a shame they're hard to come by nowadays, they'd be a best seller
A very detailed review here - one happy customer :)
I'll get some of these for the tangara.
Is it possible to replace the self-tapping screws Southern Rail provided with small bolts that don't strip the plastic? I believe Jaycar sell bolts this size.
Another idea which is controversial for the VLocity to fix the self-centering issue, Cut off the washer with attached springs from the old coupling and glue it on top (upside-down perspective) of the new Scharfenberg coupler.
This would make the coupling thicker but if you find those small bolts suggested above it should not affect its coupler height or part durability.
Since the making of this video, I've converted another 4 sets. Some of these were fitted with little bolts, so it's defiantly possible, assuming the thread hasn't been damaged too much.
That's an interesting perspective to returning the centering to the couplings. Although that may work, I'm thinking that it will be too tight for the coupling to fit into its box. Over tightening the screw would damage the threading and using a longer bolt wouldn't secure the cover plate as it'll leave a gap as well causing friction between the chassis and the cover. Would be interesting to try though.