Hi all, saw something on youtube this morning I wanted to pass along. They are operating brake lines you can add to your rolling stock. They work magnetically and just like the real thing. Well almost, they do automatically attach when you hook up a car or locomotive, but they do detach automatically. And they are not affected by magnetic uncouplers on your layout. Below is the website and a video demonstration. http://www.pwrs.ca/view_product.php?ProductID=213983 [video=youtube;xZ9Yo5Kf7Po]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ9Yo5Kf7Po&feature=player_detailpage[/video] Ethan
Jim James marveled: "Why didn't I think of that?" Dare I suggest because the Zalma Branch did not even have air brakes? George
That is amazing. That can revolutionize the appearance of the cars (not to mention realistic operation) by doing away with the oversized uncoupling pins and or platic air hoses that we may have applied. I will be changing my cars over to this air hose, and coupled with the "scale" Kadee couplers, and metal wheels, the realism will be enhanced dramatically. I have been applying the Hi Tech details flexible air hoses which look good also, but having the ability to actually couple and uncouple takes realism to yet a higher plane. Thanks for bring this to our attention, Ethan. Terry Jankowski
Why go with Kadees when you can convert to Sergent couplers for even more realism? Sorry, just being a little snide. The backstory to the airhoses is kinda cool and I do like them, but the way things are going, one could spend more in "extras" than on the original car.
Bob, I have to admit that the proper solution would be Sergent couplers and Magnalock Brake lines. I am not ready to switch, however, until after I have sound in all of my locomotives and my layout complete.
I feel the same way with DCC. I got get the trackwork all done (DCC compatable) and operating smoothly then make the switch.
Actually what you need are little bitty "switchmen" to hop out of the caboose or engine and run back and make the joint...)) TG
I saw that as a special notification of Railroad Model Hobbyist. I was amazed at first, but then, I'm like, too modern, too expensive, not ready to clip the Kadees. When they develop real air brakes on the models, then call me.
The only reservations I have about these is if your layout is a little uneven (like mine) or you use code 100 track (again like my layout) then there are sometimes clearance issues with the KD's and I have to clip the air hose short (but not all the way off) to get cars to clear. I would be woried about these dragging on switches and grade crossings. Ethan
Had a Switchman here name Al, that was able to spot an MT pop can 1/2 mile away in 4ft tall weeds, and that was where he would be. I'll swear he would walk a mile to pick up a can, I am sure he could carry 1/2 his weight in MT cans.
I guess you could maybe use N scale ones for the MU hoses, and the HO for the brake pipe. That way we can drop some more $$ into the power too
So I am wondering if they can make these things so that the "train-line" could carry a current... in a DCC world with the proper circuity, it might it be possible to develop a working brake system... or at least stop everything if the train parts.
