5 inch Scale Buffers

I am now in the final stages of constructing the frames of a 5" gauge 0-6-0 diesel shunter not dissimilar to a BR Class 03 and working on the buffer beams, so a quick question on scale and position of buffers.

1) Height above rail level?

2) Distance apart ? (or from centre of buffer beam will do)

I measured a standard gauge loco and scaled the height above rail level as 3.7" and distance apart as 6.4" (2.3" from centre) but would appreciate confirmation of correctness or otherwise. My figures relate to the centre of each buffer.

Many thanks.

David G

Edited By David Gosden on 23/05/2016 20:11:29

Edited By David Gosden on 23/05/2016 20:13:59

GL5 Standards.

Tubal Cain, Model Engineer's Handbook give the following data for 5" gauge, 1 1/16" to the foot:

.Buffer height from rail: 3 21/32"

Hope that's of some assistance.

Regards,

Phil.

Edited By Weary on 23/05/2016 20:39:07

I may help, but when using my 3 1/2" (large buffered!) loco with 5" gauge driving trucks there was a constant danger of the buffers locking. I came up with this diagram to compare 5" gauge buffers with 3 1/2" gauge ones ranged left and right.

My drawing shows 5" gauge buffers as being 3.36" above rail level and 6" apart. The GL5 society uses 3 5/8" +1/16" -1/4" high and 6" separation, so my estimate may be a bit low.

My solution was the light grey rectangles - rubber buffers for my own driving truck which would operate with any 5" or 3 /1/2" loco. The smaller ovals show where the hooks would be for each of the three options, I made a two-height-three position link.

Pure magic!

Thanks everyone.

Regards,

David G