Mike,Like any coupler the X2F needed fine tuning and the advance modelers of the day did exactly that.That's all we had other then a hodge podge of incompatible couplers
As far as me discounting the experiences of others perhaps but,their experience is so far different then mine and what I've seen I can't help but wonder what I and the others are doing wrong since we don't have the same reported problems as they.
When I do mention my hands on or first hand observation experiences I'm usually dragged through the fire.
I been a member of various clubs and have visit clubs over the years that use magnets with no issues.I have operated on home layouts that use magnets with no issues.I have used magnets.Does that experience count? Apparently to some no.
I have done things the "experts" say you can't do..I've even used a snap switch crossover-talk about a "S" curve! Whew! It works even though it look like something you would see on a trolley or Lionel layout.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
While we can go way out on a imb with this proto accuracy
BUT
I have never seen a 1 to 1 Railroad using a magnet to uncouple the cars!!!
Everyone has to be hand uncoupled - Yes they don't have bamboo sticks - but it is a lot closer to lifting the uncoupler lever than a MAGNET will ever be!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
cmrproducts While we can go way out on a imb with this proto accuracy BUT I have never seen a 1 to 1 Railroad using a magnet to uncouple the cars!!! Everyone has to be hand uncoupled - Yes they don't have bamboo sticks - but it is a lot closer to lifting the uncoupler lever than a MAGNET will ever be! BOB H - Clarion, PA
Speaking as a former brakeman at times I wish we had a magnet..
Sergent couplers comes the closest emulating a brakeman's job and beats using a bamboo skewer---or magnet.
Of course to emulate a brakeman's job you will need a pen flash light for night operation since all the room lights would be off..You would need to discover a way to emulate the weather from freezing cold to extreme heat depending on the time of year plus snow and sleet in the winter and rain in the spring,summer and fall..
But,that's impossible to do so,we fake a lot of things from the great bamboo stick from the sky or by using a magnet.
Some switch at break neck speeds disregarding all operating and safety rules a railroader works by.They run trains at Mach 5,reverse without stopping,have high impact couplings--shall I go on about "realism?"