Gangways and couplings

Coaching Stock: Gangways and couplings

Keen Systems Floating Endplates

Keen_end_plates.JPG (23606 bytes)

When using Keen System Couplings, a slight gap may still be observed between the ganways on coaches and multiple unit stock. Keen Systems have developed a sprung endplate that will fit most rtr coaches.

Once fitted to a hole drilled through the gangway door with a spring, it may be adjusted by using a force fit washer.

The end plate will buffer up to that fitted to the adjacent coach and remains incontact on all except the sharpest curve when the Keen Couplings move the coaches apart.

The obvious use for this system is multiple unit stock and I have adapted the MK2 type to fit gangways on a Thameslink Class 319/1 adapted (kit bashed) from an MTK kit. The MK2 type will also fit MK3 coaches with slight modifications.

Endplates are available for:

MK2 coaches including XP64 stock.
MK1 coaches; early and later types.
Steam Era coachingstock.

Keen Couplings

Keen Systems Couplings are gaining in popularity with modellers running fixed coaching stock and EMU / DMU formations. This fits in well with modern practice of running fixed push-pull and unit trains with minimal remarshalling. Should dividing and remarshalling of coaching stock rakes form part and parcel of your operations then the Keen Coupling system is not the best option.

To install Keen Couplings to a Lima MK1 coach, cut a hole in the coach floor to accept the coupling base plate. Use the baseplate to draw in the outline of the hole before drilling a series of holes on the inside of the line. Push waste plastic out with the help of a scalpel. Make the initial hole slightly undersize, enlarging it a little at a time to accept the base plate.

The bogies require slight modification to accommodate the coupling arm. Once installed, the action of the coupling is normally smooth and effective.

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Images reproduced by kind permission of R Keen