Sir William

[Maz066]

A simple and possibly a stupid question from an Aussie. Why did Stanier have oval shaped buffers on his express steam locos

[Walkingthedog]

Because he liked them?

[Maz066]

So do I but i would like to think there is some engineering purpose. Maybe not

[Steve M]

Could it be that an oval (or could it be elliptical) buffer provides a greater contact arc from side to side and therefore less chance of buffer locking?
If it's not that then I have no idea.

[RogerB]

That's such an impressive theory Steve, it deserves to be right. R-

[Steve M]

That's such an impressive theory Steve, it deserves to be right. R-

It's even better when you consider I would normally still be asleep at this time of day.

[Walkingthedog]

Just had a read and believe Steve is correct.

[Steve M]

That’s a first.
Had to happen sometime.

[Walkingthedog]

Yes I suppose it is.

[bulleidboy]

Perhaps the man in the "buffer shop" said "we've only got these".