Coupling rolling stock 

We are committed to using the almost invisible Alex Jackson coupler but were aware it has several disadvantages, but then so too has the simple manual loose coupling. 

• Manual coupling between vacuum pipes and under corridor connections can be very trying 
• Twisted three links need untwisting or they don't work on curves 
• Overall fiddling with reluctant three link couplings during an exhibition puts off viewers 
• Lastly ones vision declines as you age, so I needed something a bit more reliable than a shaky hand 

There are two basic problems with the Alex Jackson coupler, both of which can be overcome. 

• One is maintaining the location of the coupler 
• The other is coupling and uncoupling on curves 

The first AJ Aid products we supplied were designed by David Rimmington of Leicester.   These do not help with the curve issue - the answer to that is to plan this issue into your layout design. There is a basic design for standard wagons and a second design for coach bogies or stock such as tenders where the standard design does not fit.  We also do a simple mounting jig.  We have changed these designs a little incorporating some more flexibility and resilience to them and in addition shrunk the bogie version to make it more adaptable

• We are interested - if it is possible -  to introduce the Alex Jackson electric uncoupler which can be operated by DCC command as this would allow uncoupling anywhere not just at the point where the uncoupler is located. (see the prototypes developed by Nigel Cliffe) 
• Alternatively it is possible to make a gravity uncoupler - the bogie or mini-fit versions uncouple by pushing the hook downwards from above which could also be a DCC command or an external force.

To compliment the prototypical coupling we developed a range of near scale coupling hooks. These ignore the "Gedge slot" where it would be appropriate as we have lost too many three link couplings from falling out of the slot when models are either turned upside down or just pulled out by a shunters pole. 

The basic range of hooks has 12 different shapes but once a link passes over one hook it should do so for every other AMBIS hook. 

We also produce two types of cast instanter links.  Other suppliers produce a GWR style (round section) instanter link. 

We did dabble with producing an imitation screw coupling as an etch but the first attempts were not convincing.  Then after a number of years absence a different approach was introduced in 2011. This requires the use of short pieces of wire rod or dressmakers pins to complete. 

To complete the "three link" couplings we have made available chain links with one in three links being magnetic.  The Instanter links were packaged with chain links - c.2017.
The availability and price of the chain links is dependent upon suppliers over which we have no control, so it is possible, at least temporarily this product could be unavailable. 

We also supply 20, 27 and 40 links per inch chain to assist with attaching loads and for safety chain use. Photo left shows CL32 chain sold to exhaustion and CL40 chain with CCL1 links. Photo right shows 20 l.p.i. chain - CL20. CL27 is shown on the Latest Products page.  Note the Brass links shown are no longer available from AMBIS all the chains are supplied pre-blankened.

References 

1)  "Alex Jackson a man and his coupling" - 2009 Wild Swan Publications 

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