Model Railway Forum

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

Because he liked them?

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

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.

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

RogerB wrote: ↑Tue Jan 29, 2019 7:55 am 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.

Just had a read and believe Steve is correct.

That’s a first.
Had to happen sometime.

Yes I suppose it is.

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