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Magnetic Uncouplers -- Yea or Nay?

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Monday, October 25, 2021 2:30 PM

The under the rails one works reliably.

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Monday, October 25, 2021 5:47 PM

My prior layout, all locations were accessable by hand, so I always used the uncoupling pics. 

Next layout just might have a electro-magnet on a passing "run-around" siding.... 

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: O'Fallon, MO
  • 96 posts
Posted by kbaker329 on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 11:13 AM

For me, it's nay.

I used between the track uncouplers but they caused more unwanted uncouplings than wanted!  

I removed these and started using the Rix uncoupling tool.  As someone else mentioned, it immediately wants to grab the nearest handrail, grab iron, etc.

I switched to the bamboo skewer.  Price was right, uncoupling was easy.

I now clip the pin from all couplers.  I add brake hoses to all cars and I didn't like the look of the extra pin.  

HO scale modeling N&W and Union Pacific, somewhere in Missouri between 1940 & 1990!

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