Alex Jackson couplings

Those who have not yet learnt of the ingenuity behind this fully automatic coupling that was developed in the early 1950s by the late Alex Jackson should take a look at the Manchester Model Railway Society website to learn how simple and effective this coupling is. http://www.mmrs.co.uk/technical/ajcoupling.htm

We have developed several items that are needed to help you to make AJ couplings quickly and easily and with the correct angles which will help you to use them successfully first time round.

The Graham Turner bending jig is without doubt the cleverest idea produced so far to aid the simple but accurate construction of this coupling. Although Graham believed the jig could not be made by etching we have managed to produce it. Using multi-layers of metal we have designed and made this ingenious jig which works very well. Used in conjunction with our 180 jig it allows consistent and accurate couplings to be made every time.

The 180 jig has been designed based on an idea by Tony Williams, the Manchester Model Railway Society regular demonstrator of the Alex Jackson coupling. The most awkward task when making the AJ coupling is to make the first 180 degree bend and Tony's design makes this just so simple.

We also have a set of hinge plates and mountings which can be used to fix the couplings to your stock. These are sold in a set for 4 vehicles and comprise the base and the hinge plates. The hinge method is described on page 20 of the AJ book. There is also a useful jig to ensure that all the bends you make in the wire are in the correct plane.

There are some packages which combine several of the AJ products together at discounted prices. Please note that some of these products need you to provide items like nuts/bolts and wire in order to complete them. We feel pretty sure that if you are interested in making AJ couplings then you are likely to have these items already.