Iori kobou Couplers - Anyone Have These?

[Misha_K]

Hi guys,

 

I stumbled upon this youtube video, which shows 3D printed couplers from Iori Kobou in use on German N scale rolling stock:

 

https://youtu.be/rkneI0MsSks

 

As I'm a sucker for finescale details I was amazed by something that appears to be the first actually functional N scale replica of a standard chain coupler as used on most continental railroad systems. Plus they have this version that uses the standard NEM coupler socket. Does anyone have any experience with these? Are they actually useable in practical everyday layout service? Does anyone have any idea where you can get them? The comments in the video indicate that the youtuber bought them directly from the manufacturer, whose site is entierly in Japanese:

 

http://iorikoubou.com/

 

I also found this listing which indicates that it is sold out:

 

https://www.modeltrainplus.net/products/iori-koubou-122-screw-coupler-for-n-gauge-10-sets-nem-355-compatible

 

Has anyone ordered from Modeltrainsplus before?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Misha

Edited February 15, 2019 by Misha_K

[Gryphr]

Hi,

 

I've got a box of them, although I don't have a proper layout to test them with, just temporary setups.

As for usability, they couple about a millimeter or so shorter than Rapidos. Since the connection is not rigid it can't take advantage of kinematics to get a closer coupling distance. The coupler is also not able to swing the full arc since the hook of the coupler comes in contact with the bumpers, however this is not an issue due to the connection not being rigid, therefore it can still service pretty much all radii the same as with Rapidos or other couplers.

The coupling process is a bit fiddly. I prefer to lift the coach up, so I can place the screw/chain onto the other coaches hook, then rerail them carefully, however with close-coupled cars like intercity coaches the bellows make this pretty hard, you'd probably have to resort to coupling using pincers or something similar. It's ok for trains sets that stay together on a display or a layout, but when frequently (un-)coupling it would get annoying quickly.

The couplers are also kinda fragile, I managed to break 1 due to rough handling and another 2 in a head-on collision between two trains when I didn't pay attention...😅

 

I currently have them equipped only on the locomotives and end coaches of my rakes for the looks (and they do look pretty good in model) but I'm using different, easier couplers inbetween coaches where they won't be seen anyway.