How to make an uncoupler?

[hastymike]

I remember a while back seeing directions on how to make an uncoupler section for Gargraves track from an old Lionel O-27 Uncoupler.  I can't remember where , but I know they posted a nice pictoral diagram.

Anyone know where I can find this info?

Thanks

Mike

 

 

 

[dwiemer]

Mike, I believe they have  a section on this in the "Tips and Tricks" book put out by Kalmback, the owners of the forum.  It showed how to cut the center rail and install the Lionel magnet.  If you can get a copy of this book, it should walk you through this project.

Dennis

[ChiefEagles]

OGR Backshop videos has one on that.

[Roger Bielen]

Mike, its not difficult.  I've done a few.  Using a Dremil, or other means, cut out the magnet section leaving about an inch of straight on each side, try to keep the wires a long as possible.  Spray the piece flat black cleaning off the paint from the top of the contact sections.

Cut the center rail on the Gargraves about an inch shorter than the magnet section, cut out the ties so that the magnet section fits level with the center rail, add some wire to the magnet leads, drill a hole and drop under the board,  and crimp the magnet section onto the center rail.

Connect one lead to common and the other to a momentary push button and to your accessory power.  Your ready to go.

[hastymike]

Thanks Roger, that's what I needed.  Did you have to shim between the roadbed and the uncoupler?

Dennis

I'll need to pick up a copy of the tricks book the next time I'm by the local train shop.  I've heard other people mention it and it sounds like a good resource.

Thanks again guys

Mike

 

[FJ and G]

I made my own once from a nail withwindings but it wasn't strong enough

[Roger Bielen]

Mike - no shimming was required.  When you set and crimp the magnet section onto the center rail the hight is set.  If anything I had to "dig" down to recess the magnet.

[ole1]

Mike;

The article you're probably thinking of was "Kitbash an uncoupler for your Gargraves track" by Dennis Brennan in CTT magazine July 1997

Ole