The DL&W Boontons have E couplers, fortunately!!!

I should have been more clear when I said "Boonton". I meant the LIRR Ping-Pong cars AT Boonton, NJ, that Eric Stormier, ERIC, and/or Somerset Terminal is alleged to own. There are also two CNJs in that collection, come to think of it. (Too early in the AM, not enough coffee-)

If anyone is still following this thread,, we have the pattern for casting the knuckles. We are about to cast 10? 20? 30? depending upon requests. Thank you

Keith Brigode 419 874 8667

We have the pattern. Looking for help casting etc. call 419 874 8667

Does Irwin Car & Equipment http://www.irwincar.com/parts-services.html make full-size Sharon coupler knuckles, lock-lifters, etc, or only the 3/4-size versaion used on narrow-gauge railroad and industrial rail cars?

Niles Canyon Railway has at least 6 Southern Pacific "Harriman" style passenger cars built 1912-1924 with Sharon couplers, and is interested in purchasing parts. We're working on getting part #s to send to Bill Springer at Irwin to check if they make these or not. If not, then we'll be contacting you regarding orders for Sharon knuckles.

- Doug Debs
cell 650-704-1487

Keith -

We have some equipment at HVRM that could use some Sharon knuckles. This past Saturday, I tried to measure the opening in the shank and seem to have a few different dimensions. What is the size of the knuckle casting you are going to be making?

Les

Every detail. The devil is in the details.

You do need to identify what MCB contour your particular SHARON coupler had, there were many, the contour drawings can sometimes be found here and there in old RR engineering books.

The only solution theses days is to find the very best knuckle that you can locate and have it 3D scanned. Then you need to adjust the file for wear areas to account for any wear, then convert that into a solid model file, then get that file to the foundry that is going to do the casting so they can adjust the file for solidification shrinkage.

If anyone in the rail industry had any foresight, they would have take Steve Z up on his project offer years ago, its going to cost a whole lot more today.

Alliance couplers are very similar, but better, and they can still be bought from overseas, one Co/ casting them is in India but, I'd go with South Africa or Malaysia for those. I have the info if you need it, they will still cost a fortune so serious inquiries only.

I just hit a good site.

http://www.greatlakesrailcar.com/couplers.htm



they look like the will "mate" with standard couplers.

wonder why they are just not allowed anymore? at least one version.

"The same only different."

Yes, they will generally couple and work with E, F, H, and CS couplers, though the knuckle profile is different from the AAR standard that the latter ones have. This likely affects the life of the Sharons more than the heavier AAR designs when they are mated, though I wouldn't claim any more than a supposition. I suspect Stevie Z has a better knowledge base on that than most.

The Sharon is not allowed in interchange because they are obsolete and because they are notoriously weak in design. This is not a problem in passenger only service on tourist and museum railroads as trailing tonnage and in-train forces are not comparable to what is seen in modern railroading. Essentially, it's the same reason wooden cars aren't allowed in interchange. That's not to say that moving them (wooden cars and/or ones with Sharon couplers) on the general rail system isn't possible or legal, but it is up to each individual railroad as to what they will or will not handle. Certain issues can require FRA waivers, but most are covered under exemptions for antiquated and historic equipment.

How many Sharon couplers are wanted? I have just come from a place that has quite a few from old lumber log cars. I have made a pitch to a Board member about releasing some in exchange for items we can use or for cash that will get what is needed. No promises made as of now and I will not reveal the location. If there is an interest, I will look into the accessibility of of obtaining these couplers. Or, I can haul one into Dallas to a steel foundry and see if they will cast new knuckles or complete couplers.
Harry Nicholls