HO Couplers

[Anonymous]

How many of you keep the uncoopler pin on your couplers? Just in case I am having a moment I am refering to the metal part on the bottom. With some of the droop I get they seemto cause more problems then they are worth. I set them up right but things happen. Any other ideas?

[Anonymous]

Vern, I've had the same problem on occassion even after using the Kaydee coupler height tool. I just get the trusty coupler plyers out and tweak it some more. If your going to use under the track magnets which I recommend then I would leave them on.

[Anonymous]

I snip the trip pin. One less thing to worry about. If your pins are catching things on the track do as Jim suggested and get the pliers to adjust them. I don't have a set since I don't need them but friends do and they're happy with them.

Kadee and Micro-mark make the pliers. They should be available at a good hobby store.

My favorite uncoupler is a bamboo skewer with the end shaped like a chisel. Inexpensive and easy to make.

[Sperandeo]

If you have passenger cars with working diaphragms (or ever want to have them) you'll probably want to leave the trip pins on. The diaphragms prevent using skewers or other uncoupling tools that work from above. Even if you don't use magnets, you can reach in from the side with your skewer or other tool and pull one of the trip pins open.

Happy holidays,

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine

[dknelson]

Years ago someone had an item in MR where they wanted to use the magnets for uncoupling but did not like the appearance of the pins on their passenger cars -- so they reversed the pin so that it faced into the car, towards the truck.
By the way I prefer the pins when using the toothpick/skewer method of uncoupling
Dave Nelson

[cmrproducts]

Vern

I have had the same trouble and I decided early on to just set the coupler a little high. The coupler is always going to droop so why not anticipate it and set it high. Then when it droops it will be right on. If the coupler keeps getting lower then you have a problem with the box and lid and it should be screwed to the car body! This should eliminate the drooping.

BOB H Clarion, PA