I have a class 58 loco from Hornby top link range. I was having trouble with some rolling stock derailing, but only with this loco. After close inspection I noticed a notch just under the hook on this loco. The hook on some of the rolling stock was getting caught in this notch causing the problem. Easy fix by replacing with metal style couplings. Hope this makes sense, and helps someone else out. I'm a big fan of this type of coupling and it the first time I've seen this type with said notch.
I just had a look at a bit of my stock and I have a few. Not sure that i have identified this as an issue, but I will keep and eye on it. I have seen this notch on the wagons with riveted on couplers as well as moulded on couplers on a 4 wheel van. That van might take a bit of work changing the coupler of to another style tension lock. Thanks for that, i may have had issues in the past with that type of coupler but didn't narrow it down to that. Well have to keep an eye out next time my U-drive layout goes out,which is where most of my stock with that sort of coupler is used. Cheers Tony
The notched couplings are very old and I don’t recall them causing any problems. I changed all my couplings to the narrow version over the years. Can’t recall what the notch was for.
On this particular class 58 the hook was smaller in length, and the hook on rolling stock is a bit longer. Because the loco is so long, on some tight sections of the layout the hook reached the notch on the coupling. The model is 1970's or 80's. Beautiful running loco. One of my favorites.
Real ones built between 83 and 87, so model dates from around then. I think the notch is to do with the shape of the hook, when it lifts the arm I thing passed in the notch otherwise it would lock against the D because of the angle of the dangle…. So to speak.. lol
