What is the purpose of trip prins on couplers? I have a "N" scale layout and I am having problems with trip pins getting caught in my turnouts.
As I buy new rolling stock I will have problems with the trip pins on some of the cars. I do have a Micro-Mart tool that can be used to bend the tip pins but I think the tool was really made for HO and not N scale. When I try to adjust the trip pins I find myself either breaking off the trip pins or they just fall off.
I don't use magnetic uncouplers so can I just do without the trip pins on some of my rolling stock?
Sounds like you answered your own question - magnetic uncoupler feature.
I leave mine on cause if I cut them off, I'll never have that option if I choose to use it - kind of permanent. I do bend mine up slighty so they shouldn't ever interfere with anything.
But if you are sure you'll never use the magnetic uncoupling feature, then go ahead, and cut them off. Some modelers cut them off in HO scale, certainly you can in N scale too. Your choice, your RR.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I too just can;t take that final permanent step. I don't use magnets, I use skewers to uncouple, but I just can;t bring myself to cut off the trip pins. Especially after I went and painted them all ala Cody, grimy black 'hose' with a tiny dab of silver on the end. They are bent up enough to not ever catch on anything, and probably won't work on a regular Kadee magent, but probably would if I used tronger rare earth magnets. Decisions, decisions. Sooner or later I will probably clip them off.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Frequetly all makes of trippins need to be adjusted.
Kadee make a special tool for this purpose, Trip Pin Pliers.
See attached link:
https://kadee.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=171&products_id=328
Hope this is of some help Bob
Hope this is of some help
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
I would not cut them off in N scale. The pin is a part that goes through the knuckle pieces in the coupler. That is unless they changed the design in the past twenty years.
.
When I was in N scale I adjusted the pins to 0.040" above the rail head and never had a problem. I also did not use m,agnetic uncoupling in N scale.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I already have this tool. Problem is it just was'nt designed for N scale. Thanks anyways.
Don1942 What is the purpose of trip prins on couplers? I have a "N" scale layout and I am having problems with trip pins getting caught in my turnouts. As I buy new rolling stock I will have problems with the trip pins on some of the cars. I do have a Micro-Mart tool that can be used to bend the tip pins but I think the tool was really made for HO and not N scale. When I try to adjust the trip pins I find myself either breaking off the trip pins or they just fall off. I don't use magnetic uncouplers so can I just do without the trip pins on some of my rolling stock?
Trip pin adjustment is quite normal with new rolling stock.
You might get a three inch pair of jewelers pliers from Amazon. They have round tips. I bought a pair many years ago for a different purpose.
Kadee trip pins work quite well when adjsuted and not sagging.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Some people make sure the coupler height is within standards before they adjust the trip pin.
Ed
Don1942I already have this tool. Problem is it just was'nt designed for N scale.
Look in the "beaders" section of your local craft store. I found a tool that is identical, but about 40% smaller. It might be perfect for N scale.
I'm guessing that Kadee offers a coupler height gauge for N scale similar to that for HO. That would be the most useful tool to acquire, as it will not only show if trip pin is at the right height, but also which way and how much it needs to be adjusted if it's not at the right height.It will also show if the coupler's head is at the proper height, probably the first thing to check, even before the trip pin, as the height of the latter is directly tied to the height of the former. This may indicate that the coupler, or the car to which it's attached, needs to be raised or lowered (and not necessarily by the same amount on both ends).Trip pins can be easily adjusted using any blunt-nosed pliers with serrated jaws.
Wayne
KD(MicroTrains) makes a coupler height gauge for N Scale and its one of the few must haves in N.
I always used a magnet when I was in N..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I adjust, or bend them slightly with a needle nose, to make sure they clear track and switch points. When I started with the horn-hook type, I cut the pin off.
I believe the purpose is so you can use magnetic ramps (magnets between the rails) to uncouple cars at your desired location, and have the "look" of the break line hose, between cars.
I use the skewer method, and have no magnets.
Mike.
My You Tube
Eh? Trip pins?
LION chops of the entire coupler, replaces them with drawbars.
48 wheel pick-up and no need to wire the cross overs. ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
BroadwayLion48 wheel pick-up and no need to wire the cross overs. ROAR
My lighted Heavyweight passenger train picks up power on all 12 wheels of each of the PA/PB locomotives, and six wheels on each of the eight passenger cars. It never flickers or loses power.
You just made me rethink about wiring the double crossover on my outer loop.
Something to consider.
mbinsewi I adjust, or bend them slightly with a needle nose, to make sure they clear track and switch points. Mike.
I adjust, or bend them slightly with a needle nose, to make sure they clear track and switch points.
Agree'd. I have known for many years that Kadee made a special tool, but back then I was on a tight budget and I'd rather buy other stuff than a tool, especially when I could use the needle nose pliers I have to do the same job almost as well.
Sure, in more recent years I've been able to afford things like Kadee trip pin pliers more than years ago, but I've gotten so used to using needle nose that *shrugs* I still feel like they are superfluous.