De-Couplers

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Eriediamond

With the chance of opening a can of worms here, I'll give you my opinion here and it's just an opinion. I don't think Kadee is anyeasier to manualy uncouple then the Rapido type, in fact I think it's easier. The Rapido type uncoupler I'm familier with uses a ramp between th rails to lift the couplers into the uncoupling position, whereas the Kadee type coupler uses a magnet to spread or open the knuckles on their couplers. Now with that said Kadee and other brands have a more realistic lock to them but as far as I'm concerned both types work and its easier to reach between the cars with a pick to lift the Rapido type coupler to uncouple. Just an opinion here. I don't like either type uncouplers on a main line or anyplace thats easy to reach because of false uncoupling. Especially if you intend to have a train running unattended. Ken

I'll open that can of worms a little further Eriediamond... I've (gasp) intentionally stayed with Rapido style couplers on my 'N' scale freights because they are much easier to couple and uncouple. My passenger trains run the knuckle couplers because I rarely do any switching with them. But on my freights, where I routinely break up and rebuild my trains, I'm staying with Rapido for now. They don't look as good, but they function a whole lot better.

[:O] [:I]

[nickatnet]

I've been struggling with this un-coupler problem too. I have the magnetic type which is basically all you can get on most new equipment now. After reading many suggestions on another forum at N-scale.net I settled on two types of magnets from Radio Shack. One is a very small rare earth magnet, only 1/8th inch in diameter. I had to stack 2 on top off each other and put a set of 2 under each rail. I'm using AMI instant roadbed so all I need to do is press them flush into the roadbed. They work great but cost $1.89 for a package of 2. The stock number is 64-1895. Another Radio Shack magnet works good, but is a large 1" square with a hole in the middle. I also had to stack 2 under each rail. To hide them I remove a piece of the roadbed, and then countersink them down in the Homasote sub-bed. They are $2.59 for a package of 5. Using them will save me about $50.00 over the rare earth type. These are ceramic magnets which I'm told hold their magnetism better. Their stock # is 64-1879. Go to radioshack.com, enter magnets in their search box and check them out. Sorry to ramble on so, I guess I'm just excited to finally find a solution that works. (I guess that's a redundant statement isn't it). By the way, if you click on the picture of the magnet it will let you enter your zip code and you can see if it is in stock at your local Radio Shack store thereby saving shipping time and charges.

[Eriediamond]

With the chance of opening a can of worms here, I'll give you my opinion here and it's just an opinion. I don't think Kadee is anyeasier to manualy uncouple then the Rapido type, in fact I think it's easier. The Rapido type uncoupler I'm familier with uses a ramp between th rails to lift the couplers into the uncoupling position, whereas the Kadee type coupler uses a magnet to spread or open the knuckles on their couplers. Now with that said Kadee and other brands have a more realistic lock to them but as far as I'm concerned both types work and its easier to reach between the cars with a pick to lift the Rapido type coupler to uncouple. Just an opinion here. I don't like either type uncouplers on a main line or anyplace thats easy to reach because of false uncoupling. Especially if you intend to have a train running unattended. Ken

[Anonymous]

If i convert to Kadee uncouplers is it easier to uncouple?

[Anonymous]

I cant find a thing at www.atlasrr.com!

[Anonymous]

Ok ill check it out

[Eriediamond]

Ok, since you are running the Rapido type couplers, I believe Atlas makes an uncoupler section of track for them. You can check it out at www.atlasrr.com

[Anonymous]

Sorry,I have the standard n scale plastic couplers. Very simple.

Not sure what to do next

Many thanks

Pavariangoo

[Eriediamond]

Depends on what type couplers you have on your equipment. Unless the place you want to uncouple cars at is hard to reach, I would suggest to uncouple by hand. I presume you have Kaydee type couplers, if so then you can use an under the track magnetic uncoupler or one that lies between the rails. There is one made that is elecricaly operated, but that is the most expensive. Ken

[Anonymous]

Ok maybe i wasnt very clear.[:)]

I will try to give a better description

I just nailed track down and it occured to me that i am going to have to put decouplers at each end of my "Ladder type Yard". What should i be doing next. I am a bit worried because i have never used decouplers.What should i be looking for at the hobby store?

If i ask them they will probably reccomend me the most expensive decouplers that they have overstocked on.I dont have any idea whatsoever what i need!

Please give some advise!

So many thanks

Pavariangoo

[Anonymous]

Hi

Just wondering about what to do for n scale decouplers.

What do i have to do to lay them.I have seen decouplers where Ties are cut out and i have seen decouplers that simply clip onto the track.

I'm confused.

I started nailing track today and i am wondering if i will have to rip it up.

What should i do?

Many thanks

Pavariangoo