Universal Coupling

[ChufferParticipant @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

[ChufferParticipant @chuffer]

[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!

[Gordon WParticipant @gordonw]

Would a coupling from a 1/4" drive socket set work ok? I've used them for other jobs.

[V8EngParticipant @v8eng]

These people always seem to have good range of couplings at ME Shows I have been to.

Contact details here:

**LINK**

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

As an alternative to a strictly mechanical universal joint, have you considered a short length of flexible hosepipe clamped to the operating rods?

[WindyParticipant @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.

[Sam Longley 1Participant @samlongley1]

Model power boat propeller shaft/engine couplings

[ChufferParticipant @chuffer]

Many thanks for the replies which I will explore later today when I can devote some time to searching the net.

Chuffer

[Peter Harris 3Participant @peterharris3]

A cap head screw and an allen key with a ball end. A bit crude but very cheap

[julian atkinsParticipant @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

[Clive IndiaParticipant @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.

[ChufferParticipant @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

[Geoff TheasbyParticipant @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

[CirclipParticipant @circlip]

Never seen this type?

**LINK**

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

Regards Ian.

[ChufferParticipant @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

[ChufferParticipant @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

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