Universal Coupling

Advert

New Replies

Report Bug

Help/FAQs

Universal Coupling

This topic has 16 replies, 12 voices, and was last updated 29 November 2023 at 12:33 by Chuffer.

Viewing 17 posts - 1 through 17 (of 17 total)

Author

Posts
1 February 2016 at 13:30 #223486
Chuffer
Participant
@chuffer
I am toying with the idea of making an extension for the regulator on my loco as leaning over the tender is becoming a pain, literally, in the back.

A member of the society I belong to has already fitted one on his loco but the universal coupling he has fitted near the regulator was given to him. I've done a search on the internet and one of the suppliers I have bought bits from in the past has some detailed but they are a bit long **LINK**

Has any forum members a recommendation where I might be able to source a 6mm to 6mm or 1/4" to 1/4" coupling which ideally would be about 30mm total length but certainly shorter than the 45mm quoted on the above link.

Thanks

Chuffer
Advert

1 February 2016 at 13:30 #29572
Chuffer
Participant
@chuffer
1 February 2016 at 13:55 #223492
Swarf, Mostly!
Participant
@swarfmostly
Hi there, Chuffer,

Have a look here: http://www.huco.com/

Alternatively, I think HPC Gears also list various types of coupling.

Best regards,

Swarf, Mostly!
1 February 2016 at 14:51 #223497
Gordon W
Participant
@gordonw
Would a coupling from a 1/4" drive socket set work ok? I've used them for other jobs.
1 February 2016 at 14:53 #223498
V8Eng
Participant
@v8eng
These people always seem to have good range of couplings at ME Shows I have been to.

Contact details here:

**LINK**
1 February 2016 at 16:04 #223513
KWIL
Participant
@kwil
As an alternative to a strictly mechanical universal joint, have you considered a short length of flexible hosepipe clamped to the operating rods?
1 February 2016 at 16:45 #223525
Windy
Participant
@windy30762
I have an ex wd 5/16" square socket set and it has a flexible drive that looks like a speedometer cable on steroids.

Some of the model boats have similar prop-shafts whether they make them hefty enough for your application.
1 February 2016 at 18:29 #223543
Sam Longley 1
Participant
@samlongley1
Model power boat propeller shaft/engine couplings
2 February 2016 at 11:43 #223632
Chuffer
Participant
@chuffer
Many thanks for the replies which I will explore later today when I can devote some time to searching the net.

Chuffer
2 February 2016 at 19:59 #223685
Peter Harris 3
Participant
@peterharris3
A cap head screw and an allen key with a ball end. A bit crude but very cheap
2 February 2016 at 23:08 #223697
julian atkins
Participant
@julianatkins58923
i am a bit cautious over this!

if you cant reach the regulator, how can you 'fire on the run'? how can you operate 'on the run' the injectors?

(from someone who fires little and often 'on the run', and uses the injectors 'on the run' )

cheers,

julian

Edited By julian atkins on 02/02/2016 23:08:47

Edited By julian atkins on 02/02/2016 23:09:17

Edited By julian atkins on 02/02/2016 23:09:53
3 February 2016 at 09:56 #223723
Clive India
Participant
@cliveindia
Posted by julian atkins on 02/02/2016 23:08:10:

i am a bit cautious over this!

if you cant reach the regulator, how can you 'fire on the run'? how can you operate 'on the run' the injectors?

(from someone who fires little and often 'on the run', and uses the injectors 'on the run' )

cheers, julian

Very much agree with Julian.

I think extenders are naff and in most cases not as safe as hands-on. Better to use a driving truck which gets you up there.
3 February 2016 at 21:13 #223832
Chuffer
Participant
@chuffer
Thank you Julian and Clive, you both make a very valid point.

At present I can reach both injector valves and regulator on my loco' and fire on the run as well – on a raised track. We regularly run for the public for 3 hours at a time, but by the time you finish the back knows about it!!

However I also run ground level, not hauling passengers, which necessitates a different sitting position with my backside at the front of my ground level driving truck and feet on rests sticking out of the tender frames. Not possessing arms the length of a Oranutan does require more bending of the body which fortunately I can still do but if I can make it easier then I'm going to at least give it a go. I can always revert back if necessary.

Some ground level drivers sit on the tenders of their loco's but being just over 6 feet if I did likewise I'm not sure driving with my knees up around my ears when bending forward is going to help my physical wellbeing.

Regards.

Chuffer
4 February 2016 at 12:18 #223893
Geoff Theasby
Participant
@geofftheasby
Chuffer,

your link is a good one, surely you can shorten a coupling fairly easily? Alternatively, look in Amazon, Farnell Electronic Components or Norelem's Big Green Book (Tens of thousands of 'Standard components' )

Regards

Geoff

Edited By Geoff Theasby on 04/02/2016 12:19:36

Edited By Geoff Theasby on 04/02/2016 12:20:01
4 February 2016 at 12:28 #223896
Circlip
Participant
@circlip
Never seen this type?

**LINK**

You might have to make one of these, illustration only.

Regards Ian.
4 February 2016 at 21:06 #223961
Chuffer
Participant
@chuffer
Thanks guys for the additional suggestions & link.

I liked the idea of the Puffin Models Universal Joint. It's a pity it isn't available in a larger diameter as I think 1/4" or 6mm would be the ideal diameter.

I'll have to make my mind up what I'm going to do as I want to be in a position to run as soon as our track has finished with the winter maintenance we are doing at present.

Regards.

Chuffer
29 November 2023 at 12:33 #694823
Chuffer
Participant
@chuffer
Having a nose around the new Forum site looking for the answer to a question I realised from my posting back in 2016 that I never did follow up with what I did to make driving easier. In the end due to the restrictions I had with not having the front of the tender removeable I bought a universal joint and flexible cable via that well known auction site. I made up an extension for the regulator using the universal joint and used the flexible cable to connect to the RH injector steam valve.

I have been pleased with the results which have both saved my back and enabled me to run ground level with, in my opinion, better control.

Pictures attached, one on our raised track and one in the workshop to show from the driving position.

Chuffer
Author

Posts