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Back with another Flyer question - I know that the earliest S gauge link couplers didn't have weights attached and were prone to come uncoupled. It appears that weights were later added to help keep the cars coupled; I've seen references to brass weights (which look like the earliest type of weight), and then references are made to black weights. I looked in my small Flyer parts stash and found a link coupler truck with nickel journal covers that at first glance has a black weight. A closer look shows that it appears to be a weight made of brass with some form of blackening applied. Now comes the question(s) - are all link coupler weights made of brass or are only some made of brass, am I imagining the weight on the truck I have is brass with blackening, and if the weights were made of different types of metal then what types of metal were used?

Last edited by MTN
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There are a number of variations on the link couplers. Some of the early trucks had die-cast journal boxes. The earliest link couplers had a very thin shank on them ('46 only), then the shank was made thicker ('47). Then it was decided to add the weight to improve reliability (although the aluminum passenger cars had springs put on them to help too). The first weights were plain brass in '48, and then at some time the brass was blackened and in '49 changed to a pot metal or steel weight, both black colored, likely mostly an anodized black.

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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