Buffer heights and sizes

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

For 5″ and 3 1/” gauge

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

My driving car is nearing completion, or at least i know what needs to be done to finish it. I've got some 5mm plate for a 'buffer beam' and I want it to be compatible with both 3 1/2" and 5" gauge. I found 5" buffers stressful with a 3 1/2" loco. I'm going to copy an arrangement I saw at Little Hay – wooden blocks.

Has anyone got suggestions for sizes of block that would be compatible with both gauges regardless of variation in ride height and buffer size? I ask as I can work out theoretical sizes, but having something to work to wills ave me making them very big in order to err on the side of caution.

Also, how wide should I make footrests for an elevated track, and how narrow for ground level?

You'll be glad to know I have worked out a coupling…

Neil

[61962Participant @61962]

Neil,

Full size dimensions for buffers are 3'-5 1/2" above rail level and 5'-8 1/2" apart. The diameter varied, but the smallest were 13" diameter going up to around 24". Time to get your slide rule out and scale for 3 1/2" and 5" gauges. Or you could get hold of a copy of Martin Evans "Manual of Model Steam Locomotive Construction" which has all the dimensions you need.

There is no standard for the foot boards for raised tracks – you need to make them compatible with your chosen railway. For ground level I would advise using those on the GL5MLA website – http://www.gl5.org/standards which should ensure clearance on all lineside obstructions.

Eddie

[John BaguleyParticipant @johnbaguley78655]

Neil,

What sort of couplings are you intending to use? If you use solid bar couplings between the loco and the driving car (which most people use) then buffers are not necessary as the distance between the loco and the driving car is fixed. All you need is a means of adjusting the height of the coupling on the trolley.

John

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Thanks,

It's not working out the buffer centres – it's how much bigger do the blocks need to be without being ridiculously big? I used one can with wooden block that appeared right for both guages, but on a turn there was a real risk of one block slipping past the 3 1/" gauge buffer – and the buffers on my engine are relatively huge at 1 1/4" dia (true to scale).

John,

I've got scale couplings on my loco. This is my (unfinished) multi-gauge link block, these calcs are easy about 3/4" vertically and 3/4" either side.

Neil

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