Full Version: Front Coupler
Does anyone know of a definite fix for the front coupler bug? I've heard of a couple, but which one works best?
If you are in reference to the engines supplied with the A&O Sub, the front couplers are about as stable as can be expected. (Depending on systems and circumstances.)
If this is not a question specific to the A&O engines, then perhaps you could find more in-depth answers at the Revised Physics forum?
Andre
If this is not a question specific to the A&O engines, then perhaps you could find more in-depth answers at the Revised Physics forum?
Andre
The front coupler situation has been investigated by a number of individuals and various solutions have been suggested over the past several years. For me. and I use front coupler action in my activities, the best solution is to be careful and follow a few rules while doing this work.
1. Always save prior to any front coupler action. Even when you have been doing it a long time and have the technique down, you will get crashes.
2. Remember that in MSTS the sim is set to recognize a reverse move as a couple and a forward move as an uncouple. This is very important in how you handle the engines when doing front coupler work.
3. For coupling come up to the cars slowly, less then 4 mph, and allow the engine's front to 'squash' against the cars. Once stopped back slowly away and you will get the coupling 'clank'.
4. To uncouple, come to a complete stop, then release brakes, back away using the least amount of power necessary to get he engine to start moving. Remember what I said in '2', if you are too fast with the reverse move the sim will think you are coupling to the cars and 'clank' they are back attached to the front coupler.
5. Last point, when using the front coupler the 'F9' coupling aid will not allow you to see more cars then the window holds, which is the 6 furtherest from the engine. So plan you moves in a way that puts any car that needs to be uncoupled into the window.
These are points that I have used successfully in a number of activities to get the front coupler to work.
Hope it helps.
1. Always save prior to any front coupler action. Even when you have been doing it a long time and have the technique down, you will get crashes.
2. Remember that in MSTS the sim is set to recognize a reverse move as a couple and a forward move as an uncouple. This is very important in how you handle the engines when doing front coupler work.
3. For coupling come up to the cars slowly, less then 4 mph, and allow the engine's front to 'squash' against the cars. Once stopped back slowly away and you will get the coupling 'clank'.
4. To uncouple, come to a complete stop, then release brakes, back away using the least amount of power necessary to get he engine to start moving. Remember what I said in '2', if you are too fast with the reverse move the sim will think you are coupling to the cars and 'clank' they are back attached to the front coupler.
5. Last point, when using the front coupler the 'F9' coupling aid will not allow you to see more cars then the window holds, which is the 6 furtherest from the engine. So plan you moves in a way that puts any car that needs to be uncoupled into the window.
These are points that I have used successfully in a number of activities to get the front coupler to work.
Hope it helps.
Also, if you find you have to drop more than 6 cars with the front coupler, drop the first five (5).
The remainder coupled to the loco will then appear in the F9 window, and you can drop the remainder.
MSTS doesn't seem to care that the cut is in 2 pieces.
The remainder coupled to the loco will then appear in the F9 window, and you can drop the remainder.
MSTS doesn't seem to care that the cut is in 2 pieces.
One other thing to add that I happened to remember: Do NOT do a save after using the front coupler until AFTER you have recoupled using the REAR coupler again. Otherwise you will crash/lock upon a save.
Andre
Andre
Andre,
That is one I have never heard before and it has never affected my front couple use. I do a save before each use of the fornt coupler, even if I am dropping/picking up several cuts of cars.
That is one I have never heard before and it has never affected my front couple use. I do a save before each use of the fornt coupler, even if I am dropping/picking up several cuts of cars.
Can't recall ever having that happen.
In fact, last night I was running A&O Activity #15, Urbanette Switcher.
I did the pickups and setouts for Ozark Pallet, and used ONLY the front coupler for the entire session.
Did three (3) saves and had (thankfully) no crashes.
Did have a few recouples though, 'cause I backed away too fast.
In fact, last night I was running A&O Activity #15, Urbanette Switcher.
I did the pickups and setouts for Ozark Pallet, and used ONLY the front coupler for the entire session.
Did three (3) saves and had (thankfully) no crashes.
Did have a few recouples though, 'cause I backed away too fast.
Like I said... it depends on systems and circumstances! 
On my installation, after using the front coupler, if I don't recouple using the rear coupler before saving: Crash.
Andre
On my installation, after using the front coupler, if I don't recouple using the rear coupler before saving: Crash.
Andre
One point that I forgot in my list above.
If you are going to couple to a cut of cars that is positioned at the back of the train, cut them free first then run around the train to pick them up.
If you are going to couple to a cut of cars that is positioned at the back of the train, cut them free first then run around the train to pick them up.
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