TLDR:
1. 轡: any other characters that use that top part?
2. 轡 and 灣: trap?
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If you check the entry for bridle's bit (in RTK 3) (link on RtK: Frame 2965 - Bridle's Bit)
you'll notice that Heisig mentions that the top of 轡 is an abbreviation for the "apple" primitive. He then gives examples:
湾→灣
恋→戀
But if you actually look at it, the top parts in 轡 and 灣 are different! One is a "car" surrounded by two "threads", the other is "word" surrounded by two "threads".

Is this an error on Heisig's part?

I first noticed this when I saw the traditional "apple" radical in 攣* and it seems worth learning the traditional "apple" as a new primitive.

However, this leaves me with a new question: what's the deal with the primitive on top of 轡? Are there any other characters that use this? If so, it would be nice to create a primitive mnemonic that is actually logical.

And yes, I'm overly obsessed with learning obscure kanji.
* as in 痙攣 (けいれん)

[Katsuo]

dihutenosa Wrote:轡: any other characters that use that top part?

Checking the KanjiGen (13,000 characters) it appears to be unique.

You may be interested in this thread which includes a compilation of errors found in RTK3.

Also you can download a list of corrections that Heisig has inserted in the text for the next printing. Corrections to the 2nd edition, 1st printing

dihutenosa Wrote:However, this leaves me with a new question: what's the deal with the primitive on top of 轡? Are there any other characters that use this? If so, it would be nice to create a primitive mnemonic that is actually logical.

I'm not sure this explanation is as primitive as you're looking for, but it's the two ropes of the reins running from the horse's mouth to the carriage. Or if you really just want the top part, I suppose you could say it's the reins from the carriage.

Katsuo - that answers my question exactly - thanks. and this kanjigen of which you speak - a quick google search pulled up something that requires registration - are you using a free service (link please?) or do you have a 13k char book?

Nathanael - given that there's no other characters using the top "primitive", I think I'll run with your example. Thanks!

Yeah, as Katsuo said, all the other characters use the 言　primitive in between the threads.

[Katsuo]

dihutenosa Wrote:are you using a free service (link please?) or do you have a 13k char book?

I'm using a 電子辞書. The KanjiGen is bundled with many models.