Introduction

Tim

What couplers do you use for switching and what must the crew do to couple and uncouple them.

Hi,

The RTR wagons and loco are factory fitted with huge DCC controlled autocouplers, these are ugly but function well. For the wagons without DCC, I use a small plastic coffee spoon to lift the uncoupling latches, plastic is used as it doesn't short on the rails.

However for the brass passenger models, I use prototypical hook/chain couplings and the trains run permenantly coupled to the brass locos. To uncouple/couple, I use a homemade device that looks like a simple key on a thin shaft, there is a slot in the key that fits over one of the chain links. If needed, I will post some photos.

Tim

Nice! 

welcome!

Hi,

The slot in the 'key' (photo1) fits over one of the chain links (photo2) and hangs the chain on the coupling hook of the other wagon.

The yellow 'thingy' (photo3) is used at couple a standard autocoupling with a scale chain/hook coupling, neat or what?

Pretty cool.  Oberfranken  What's the town off of A3. Seams to me wasn't there a branch line that stills run steam? 

Hi,

The best and shortest answer is to visit the Pottendorf Blog link. It contains a lot more information with a ton of images almost exclusively German outline O Gauge.

I had to double check but Pottendorf is in Austria,  Since I was stationed in Vilseck still pretty familiar with the Area. There was a Old West attraction I think about 20 min north of Nurnberg off of A3.

Hi Tim, 

Welcome to the forum and good to see you here. Nice to see another German 0 scaler on the forum.

Miketg

Great and interesting looking models!  Is model railroading popular in Germany these days?  Many clubs?

Hi John,

Model railways are still popular in the country of their origin, moreover Germans enjoy belonging to clubs.

The clubs are often very welcoming to visitors and lasting friendships are easily made.

The only downer is the recent (and rapid) decline in the number of local hobby stores, some cities have none whereas almost every small town once supported its own store. The cause is blamed on internet encroachment but it is far more subtle, many models are no longer offered on price but on features that are unwanted. The worst problem is needless duplication of prototype with ever increasing prices, many starter locos hit $450 which precludes the junior market.

However, Lenz do a grand job of supporting O Scale with very well made models but sometimes they seem to be the only players in town.