Firstly apologies if this topic has been raised elsewhere, I did a quick search and could not find anything specific, but that does mean there is another one.

I have been running my Märklin BR 150 [Märklin item 37851] equipped with the new Digital Telex Couplings over the Christmas period, and have noticed that the consist (a consist of 8 'rollende landstrasse' wagons and associated coach), the coach being the item connected to the Loco. Whilst running the loco became disconnected from the coach coupling on a large number of occasions, say if I did 30 loops, then it became disconnected at least two thirds of the time. The speed was no an issue as it became disconnected at varying speeds, on close inspection the coach coupling simply disconnected. Running the coach with a different loco showed there was no generic issue with the coach coupling.

Upon close review of the telex coupling, I would note there is only a small amount of play in the coupling and it is my conclusion that the telex coupling is failing to keep the connection allowing the coah to break free. I tried operating the telex coupling several types to see if it would help, but it did not.

I am therefore asking if anyone else has experienced similar problems, on this or other locos fitted with the new telex coupling, and if so is there a solution, or is this a potential 'banana' skin in design?

Your thoughts appreciated.

BR

Glenn

Hello,

I will take some this afternoon and post

BR

Glenn

Glenn, it doesn't help by mentioning a Roco telex coupling which is slightly different. Roco couplings will be able to latch onto the Roco electrical telex coupling and visa versa creating a double hook coupling.
the only other thing I've noticed anything metal on the track and the Roco telex coupling will pick it up which in turn could mean it can't uncouple.

John

Glenn

I have had this loc for some time, use it to pull my 47026 (lumber cars). One of my favorite locs - strong and silent. I have not operated the telex (maybe once) and have not had problems with the random uncoupling. I have had issues with some other locs where there has been random uncoupling. I change the direction of the loc or the first car following.

So, no real help.

Harvey

I find sometimes after uncoupling you may have to "bump" the coupler to get it to lock again.

-Brandon

Ray,

Yes it is and I have swapped the coach around as well. I will do some photos and testing and report back.

BR

Glenn

I think that telex coupling is slightly pulling down,when you start pulling the coaches.
Just few millimetres will make big difference to lose the coaches.
Are you using Märklins short couple on the wagons?

Hi Armando,

I agree the Telex couplers are bulky and ugly. I actually prefer when locos bring normal close couplers and I uncouple using uncoupling tracks.

These couplers are inserted into standard NEM pockets, as far as I am aware, so it should be possible to extract them and replace them with normal couplers. You might have to unsolder the connections first though.

I think it unlikely that you could change them for the old style Telex, as these required quite a bit of room in the loco.

Let us know how you get on if you do swap the couplers.

Hello Goofy,

I could understand if it was disconnecting when starting off but it is not, it is usually on a long straight section, and the coupling comes apart and the consist drifts to a halt.

The consist is connected via the Rollende Landstrasse coach, it is a late 90's item(?) so not too old, I will add a picture of the coupling asap.

Luckily I do not have too many locos with this kind of coupling, but it would be nice if I could resolve this problem.

I can understand other peoples feelings viz the size of the coupling, but I guess it is the size of coupling versus the convenience of being able to uncouple anywhere on your layout

BR

Glenn

Glenn, not having seen these coupler's in person I can't really comment on it what could be wrong, the only thing I can see is the top part seems to be away from the hook so anything that may aggravates the coupling on your carriages will find the loophole to uncouple.
How does this telex coupling work, I assume it raises a bar similar to the old one and releases the coupling of the carriage.

See if solenoid lifter has completely returned to its bottom setting.

another solution is to buy Roco electrical coupling and they work well with the same Roco type of ordinary short couplings, the good part is the loop on both loco and carriage will sit behind the hook creating a double coupling action.

John