Kadee magnetic uncouplers

[Anonymous]

I have laid all my track and was adding some uncouplers that I didn't have the money for previously when I noticed that on the #308 uncoupler, the steel plate is absolutely necessary for delayed action uncoupling. Unfortunately I only had five usable plates for ten uncouplers. I used the ones I had on the three uncouplers I had not installed yet but found that the uncoupling assembly was a little taller than the cork, raising the track a little. Then I hit on an idea: why not just make my own? I had some .02" sheet steel lying around from another project so I cut some plates the right size and then flattened them out (I used tin snips to cut the metal so there was a little distortion.) I removed one of the new magnet assemblies and replaced the Kadee plate with my own ad tried it out. It worked fine and was .02" shorter that the stock assembly, leveling it with the cork.
In short, I replaced the stock steel plates on the #308 magnets with some .02" sheet steel and it worked great. Sorry for the blab, but I felt the need to tell the whole story.
Reed

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks guy!

I have access to "LOADS" of thin steel sheet metal. This info is quite handy!

Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

I have been a user of the Kadee No.308 uncoupler for many years. However, for some parts of my new layout, they are not suitable. I have looked at the Kadee electromagnet uncoupler but I dislike the intrusive appearance between the rails even though it would do the job nicely.

Can anyone refer me to any published reference, product or Web page that can either advise on how to modify the Kadee (between the rails) Electromagnet uncoupler or suggest an alternative product.

Many thanks,

Nigel Burkin

www.nigelburkin.co.uk

[Anonymous]

Nigel: See if you can find a copy of the Sept. 1992 issue of Model Railroader. On p. 104
there is an article by Jacques le Plat, "Camouflage your Magne-electric uncoupling ramps". Basically, he does a bit of cutting and bending to make the "horns" look like a guard rails. It looks great even though the pureist would question why a guard gail.

Now comes the scarry part of my post, I plan to use this idea for my "semi-scale" O-Gauge (there, I said it) after converting to Kadee couplers. I also will used some permenent magnets.

George, CEO, CFO, COO & CCBW

[Beowulf]

You could also use steel pieces cut from boxcar floor weights. The plate does not have to be one solid piece, as long as individual parts are touching. For installing the uncoupler at the perfect height, try gouging out cork and whatever you use underneath the cork so the magnet and plate are a sloppy fit. Put a dab of silicone sealant in the hole, insert the magnet with plate, and put another piece of steel over the magnet so it rests on the cork at both sides of the hole. Again, a floor weight works great. Let the sealant set overnight and the magnet is exactly even with the top of the cork.

[Beowulf]

Kadee electromagnetic uncouplers work very well under the ties if the pole pieces are replaced with ones cut from 1/4 inch steel and all the plastic parts are scrapped. Cut out the roadbed and subroadbed so the pole pieces can touch the bottom of the ties. A scrap of aluminum angle on the same bolt that holds pole pieces and coil together makes a mounting bracket and a scrap of a plastic bag under the ties will keep ballast from falling through.

[Anonymous]

Not to be rude or nothing but, I can't stand those Kadee couplers at all.

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Seahawk411

I have been a user of the Kadee No.308 uncoupler for many years. However, for some parts of my new layout, they are not suitable. I have looked at the Kadee electromagnet uncoupler but I dislike the intrusive appearance between the rails even though it would do the job nicely.

Can anyone refer me to any published reference, product or Web page that can either advise on how to modify the Kadee (between the rails) Electromagnet uncoupler or suggest an alternative product.

Many thanks,

Nigel Burkin

www.nigelburkin.co.uk

Nigel,

I you can get or have access to the Allen Keller video, #13, on Gil Freitag's layout, he shows you how to inexpensively wind your own electromagnetic uncoupler, and hide it beneath the track.

http://www.allenkeller.com/GMR13.htm

[Anonymous]

Many thanks for the information, guys.

I like the idea of making my own electromagnets as often to modify something can takes as much time and effort. I will also check out the other techniques too because there is always the need to use different methods for different locations on a layout.

Regards,

Nigel

[Beowulf]

Nigel:

See the November 2003 Model Railroader, p. 30. They are quick and easy. To save time, just cut the pole pieces with square ends. They don't have to be tapered as shown. If vertical clearance is limited, the pole pieces don't have to extend above the plastic edges of the coil. They work great on 24 volts. For super strength, do what Kadee does for their O scale electromagnetic uncoupler - use two of the HO coils together between the same pole pieces. But then be sure you aren't using steel weights inside your cars!

[Anonymous]

In the June 2004 issue, there is an article about using Radio Shack magnets for N scale. Will those magnets work for HO?