Cut levers.

Hey Max, if you are modelling 3 rail I wouldn't worry about them. They are particular to 2 rail cars, similar to H.O., where the couplers are mounted to the body not the truck.

Um, Max posted in the 2 Rail forum, so it appears he is a 2 rail modeller.

Of course, just my opinion.

Thanks, guys.

Yep.  I'm 2 rail.

I'd just like something that looks a bit convincing to get me through my NMRA AP - Cars.

A couple I've seen so far look quite ugly. 

Cheers

Many of us in 2 rail don't bother with them; Just something else to break,  and they are hard to see when a train is running.

MaxSouthOz posted:

Thanks, guys.

Yep.  I'm 2 rail.

I'd just like something that looks a bit convincing to get me through my NMRA AP - Cars.

A couple I've seen so far look quite ugly. 

Cheers

While many don't bother, and while also a detail that 2-railers might pursue, you have a specific reason that prompts their addition.

NMRA AP Cars -- been there already - when I was on that pathway mine were just generally just formed from brass wire and mounted to the ends of the cars using brass eyelets or tall handrail stanchions...

Protocraft sells a nice Carmer left bar: http://www.protocraft.com/cate...=63&Categoryid=6

Also depends on the type of car you are building as to what style of lever was in use - need to grab a prototype photo - that will also only help you with the AP Cars!

MaxSouthOz posted:

Hi guys

I'm building rolling stock for my layout (no fixed era - possibly 60's), and it was mentioned to me elsewhere (by some troublemakers),    that I haven't any cut levers on any of them.

Being ex-HO, I don't even know what they look like. 

Does anyone know of some links where I can redress my ignorance?

Cheers

Max

Here are two examples.  In both cases the cut lever was formed from brass wire

The first is along the lines MWB posted. A simple brass tube holds the outside end, and the coupler end is strategically glued to the (Kadee) coupler:

In the second, the outside end is held by a prototypically correct bracket (at least as correct as I could get it) and the coupler end actually activates the coupler.  This is a Protocraft coupler

Thanks, MWB.

Could I pester you for a shot of the ones you made, please?

Thanks, John.

Dumb question, I suppose - if they are only on one side, does the yard man duck under the coupler if he finds himself on the wrong side?

Cheers

Only one coupler needs to have it's lock pin lifted for the joint to separate. As long as one coupler cut bar between the two cars can be reached, you are  good to go.

Now, locomotives have levers on both sides of the coupler so the ground man can work from either side as needed. This also ensures that the knuckle on the loco coupler is open so that a joint can be made regardless of the knuckle position of the next coupler.

Ah.  Thanks, Rick.

There is always one lever on his side if they're all fitted on the "starboard" side, no matter which way around the car is. 

I said it was a dumb question. 

It's not a dumb question... Here's my take.... A brakeman should always get off  the  engine on the engineers side on the fly  to do any work. (Even with radios.)  The hogger can keep an eye on him getting off. ( I know not allowed today)

  If you pull the pin on the cars being left in a yard or on the train  the knuckle is always open  for coupling up again. You may not  always have the convenience of the engine with an operating lever on both sides... 

ecd15 posted:

Um, Max posted in the 2 Rail forum, so it appears he is a 2 rail modeller.

Of course, just my opinion.

Um, I'm seeing it in the 3rail section as well, um.

MaxSouthOz posted:

Thanks, MWB.

Could I pester you for a shot of the ones you made, please?

Not the best camera angle.....and mine in these MoW cars in some cases were set to operate from both sides of the cars.

PAUL ROMANO posted:

Um, I'm seeing it in the 3rail section as well, um.

Paul,

I suspect that you may have picked up the thread from the list of most recent posts on the right side of your screen. That list is based solely on the time the post is made, and can be from any sub-forum, thus you could jump from a 3 rail topic to a 2 rail one without realizing it.

Simon

You will see them on Atlas three rail offering.   GP 7 model.  The white stands out.

Cut levers center of this picture.

Thanks for the photos.