"Basically, yes. But none of the new coupler wannabes (e.g., "Gilbert compatible") from Lionel, AM, SHS, etc. work near as well as the original Gilberts. Period"
Boy, is that right! Not even the Flyonel copies--especially the metal-bodied versions. ACG's engineers knew that there are some critical dimensions in the couplers (width of the closed knuckle opening, "tongue" to knuckle face, etc.) that allow them to couple and flex without uncoupling, while providing enough play that the trucks don't derail each other in curves. Why this is apparently so hard to reverse engineer is beyond me! I understand that Big L so wants to do things "their way" that they deliberately changed the design! And then there is the foolishness of having metal bodies on illuminated and power pick-up trucks, like the NP set. Once the paint rubs off, you have short circuits! S' David D. S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
