Re: New Zealand Couplers

CVR220 Wrote:
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> Have any steam locomotives been
> converted, perhaps on the rear?


Was talking with a couple of the other old Drivers about this question since you raised it.

Just what would the point be to spending a large amount of cash on something that would be of no benefit? The cost of the redesign and resulting strengthening to the Drawgear housing followed by the re-certification process would be a drain on the precious resources of the owners/preservation societies, and for what benefit gained?

Already the standard Buffer/Hook coupler design fitted to the largest of NZR steam power is sufficient for a full load on every grade the K classes ran and therefore any excursion service needed over any line available here. The D^A/D^C's paired reached the 3000hp limit in use up until the late 80's which was usually 1500 tons on the Wairarapa(DF, DX and EF had the much larger Buffers fitted).

I would be guessing but I think most consider our old style couplers to be inferior perhaps like the link and pin drawgear fitted to the old US narrow gauges?