Dear O-scalers,
one of these days I want to build a complete UNON PACIFIC COLA consist (7th train behind E-2 LA-1-2-3) But I realise it can't be done without solving the problem of full width diaphragms between all the cars. I remember that I've seen somebody build diaphragms from latex between striker plate and car body.
Has anybody done that or more information about that?
Or maybe there are other successful attempts to get these car connections right.
Kind regards
Sarah
Replies sorted oldest to newest
What cars do you plan to use? Lionel has full width diaphrams that fit their cars.
Pete
Sarah, once I get my hands on my 400 cars for accurate frame plate measurements, I was going to try these kits....
https://unionstationproducts.c...phragm-plate-se.html
It's just the plates. I was planning on experimenting with cut-strip foam to give compressible strength to the outside edges, but with outer edge wrapped in a paintable fabric so I can match the car bodies.
I'm still in the "thought experiment" phase of this solution. Maybe later this year I'll have figured it out practically.
Lionel/Smithsonian/FAM had full width diaphragms on their NYC 20th Century train (not sure if they had them on the PRR train). Erik Lindgren posted some pictures of the FAM diaphragms on this site (search "FAM Lionel 20th Century" to find the thread). At least on the set that I have access to, the diaphragms are a bit stiff and we run the train with the diaphragms not quite touching on a straight. On our fairly generous curves (at least 88" radius on the main), the inside of the diaphragm compresses and will not cause a derailment. The FAM diaphragms are a spring, hinge, and rubber assembly.
I am never going to do a complete train, but my SP Chair car has an articulating joint and needed a full width diaphragm. I made "snap-in" aluminum ends, spring-loaded to stay in place. On the outer aluminum I glued some ribbon - the kind you wrap presents with. It took Scalecoat just fine.
The cars are only 68' long, and I still had to lengthen the diaphragm an eighth of an inch beyond the SP drawings to make it around 74" radius curves.
Sarah,
Shoulda told me. I get in trouble on this forum when I mention anything about what I have available. We can talk off line.
Jay
@@Jay, you, in trouble, no way! LOL. Happy New Year!
Peter
Sarah and to the powers that be,
This is not an offer to sell, trade, give away, etc. Just an FYI.
These are the full width diaphragms I mentioned earlier. Some sort of rubber and hollow. Fit the old BC models ends perfectly. May have been made specifically for them. There were produced in SOCAL. I believe the mold/die is long gone.
Jay
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
