Coupler with PF link

[Flemmbrav]

Hi everyone,

since early this year I am working on upgrading the electronics of my new steamer. (I'll showcase that one once the electronics work the way I want them to)
A big part of that has been an improved power supply to the loco from the tender allowing for a detailed interior as well as quickly connecting the train.
I've build a new coupler being able to transfer the PF cable from the tender to the loco without any further interaction.

I've equipped all four couplers of the loco + tender with these couplers and they work fine on R40-S-curves as well as switches and everything else I have at home.
I can even run the tender on the non-cab-side of the loco and it'll run just as fine.
This not only frees up space in the cockpit, but I also plan on equipping my coaches with lights soon, that connect via these couplers.

I wrote a documentation with full instructions, STL file and electrical background of the project that can be found at http://flemmbrav.de/E-Coupler/Home.html, aiming to update it in the future in case the design improves.
Please feel free to build your own, I do not claim exclusivity on this design :).
You can also find a small video showcasing the coupler on the main page there.

Edited September 9, 2024 by Flemmbrav
images hosting moved to flickr because EB doesn't seem to support my own website for that

[zephyr1934]

That's brilliant!

[JopieK]

Wow! Great idea indeed. Thanks for sharing (and indeed Flickr is better as EB won't allow the images...).

[dr_spock]

Good work. It's like those couplers on the street trolleys that passes multi-unit electrical control signals. 

[Ropefish]

Oh this has come together wonderful i recall your progress in the discord server!  the use with tenders with this would be something really cool i think!

[idlemarvel]

Excellent solution well designed and executed. I  loved reading your extensive documentation which is very informative, even though I don't use PF. Thanks.

[Feuer Zug]

Interesting idea and nicely done. The abilities gained with this coupler and the lack of cables snaking between the locomotive and tender is wonderful.

[Flemmbrav]

Thank you for all the kind words! <3

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Fantastic idea and superb execution!

[Flemmbrav]

There is an update!

It took me over a year, but finally I can present you a new version of this coupler.

The coupler can be FDM printed now. Centering devices ensure the electrical connection staying in place, preventing short circuits.
I have tested  this extensivly over christmas and finally finished updating my website.
I also started using flat ribbon cabling, which makes it almost look like a proper part of the PF lineup.

The design is explained in detail at: https://flemmbrav.de/E-Coupler/Design.html . You can find instructions on the same page.

[bogieman]

Brilliant is all I can say. Thanks for sharing.

 

[CastleRail]

That's brilliant work Flemmbrav, this might be the use case that will finally convince me to get a printer.

Does the final assembly work mounted on the old 4022 buffer beam can you say?

[Flemmbrav]

Thank you for the praise!

The coupler works with part 4022.

I only have the new wheels as spare. They simplify the cabling here, but I'm confident this works well with the metal axle wheels as well. Just make sure the cable won't collide with a switch. But there is enough room for the cable under the axles.

 

[zephyr1934]

Simply amazing

[Feuer Zug]

Wicked work!