JC Magnetic Couplings

[John CutlerParticipant]

(with a name like that, how can I resist publicising?)

I wonder if anyone has come across these? They seem to be a 1950s innovation that seeks to minimise the visual intrusion of an auto coupling. It looks very similar to a 3-link loop and even more so to a screwlink with tommy-bar. Of course the operation is very different! It looks like the loop and the upturned hook are both magnetised but with reversed polarities. I am not sure how that can be achieved. It still requires an uncoupling magnet in the track. Delayed uncoupling looks impossible and of course the system is handed; locos and rolling stock cannot be turned. It seems simple if the magnet polarities can be achieved, although the loop might be difficult to form. I imagine the concept languished because of the magnet difficulty? Plus it is French……..

I wonder if a variant of this is now much more feasible given the advance in magnet technology. Visually it could be attractive.

[Author]

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