Hello all
Which type of uncoupling tool do you prefer ( small screwdriver,bamboo stick,Rix uncoupling tool, etc.) and why? I have been thinking about making some for my layout,just thought i'd ask to see someone else's preferances.
Thanks, Otto
Otto,
The bamboo or wood skewers work best for me. I sand the piont to flatten it. The reasons are two for me. First it is long enough to make it easier to work with and second ihet are cheap.
Marty C
Lots of wood skewers are laying around everywhere. There is always one in reach.
Reinhard
My first is choice the KD magnet and my second choice is a small flat tip screwdriver.
If those two fail for some reason then the sky hand tool is called into use.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Ah yes Brakie..... the good ole 0-5-0 never fails!
When i'm running HO at my club I use skewers. At home or at the club when i'm running N scale I use RIX PICS. No magnets.
I like bamboo skewers. They're effective and cheap. I can locate them all around the layout so there's always one within easy reach, and if one gets damaged I don't care if it needs to be discarded and replaced.
I don't care for fixed magnets. I want to uncouple wherever makes sense for the work I'm doing.
Rob Spangler
I use a soldering pick, i got somewhere... probably an estate sale. Nice light wieght with a pokey end and a split pokey end. Works great on couplers.
Bamboo skewers. Can have a couple laying around at each station. Simple, effective and cheap.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
Bamboo skewer with a Twist-on wire connector screwed on the blunt end for better grip.
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
RR_MelI’m using Kadee #119 Scale Shelf Couplers and the only thing that works easily is dropping a magnet between the rails.
All my tank cars have shelf couplers, mostly Kadee #119 (Tpe SE) save for a couple with #118 (Type SF - some tank cars had them). If you retain the trip pins, a skewer inserted between them usually works to uncouple. Using a skewer in the knuckles doesn't always accomplish anything.
Second that. The flat edges make it easier.
I used to be strict about using magnets, but once I got the hang of bamboo skewers I changed my mind.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I bought a two-pack of the Rix N scale uncouplers at my local hobby shop a few years ago, and still use these. My N scale layout is pretty small, so no need for extras. Those bamboo skewers sound like a good idea though, and if I have a few leftover mini-kabobs after the next barbeque I'll try them with model trains.
Jeff
I model N-Scale, tried using bamboo skewers, and found them to be a bit thick, especially for my passenger cars. I have since switched to the Pix Pick and have no complaints.
Richard
Guy Papillon Bamboo skewer with a Twist-on wire connector screwed on the blunt end for better grip.
Those guy's from Quebec, it's always one upmanship with them.
Actually Guy, I think that is a great idea! I think my arthritic hands will also think it is a good idea.
I have skewers all over the layout. They are even used to help show this mere mortal where the emperors new tunnel is.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I use my finger, just pick up one car by the trucks a little, then set down so the Kadees are set so the car can be pushed into a siding and left there. I've started removing the pretend glad-hands from the couplers; I've been doing it this way for 25+ years so I guess the "temporary measure til I add magnets" idea is pretty well worn out....
Trynn_Allen2 I use a soldering pick, i got somewhere... probably an estate sale. Nice light wieght with a pokey end and a split pokey end. Works great on couplers.
I also use the uncoupling tool that came with my soldering iron. I've never used it for anything else. Still not sure why it came with a soldering iron.
I'll continue this way until I can type in the car number then select "uncouple a (or b) end" on my controller.
T e d
MisterBeasley Second that. The flat edges make it easier. I used to be strict about using magnets, but once I got the hang of bamboo skewers I changed my mind.
For me I like hands free uncoupling and the delayed uncoupling feature that KD couplers offers..To be honest that's what got me to using KDs back in '68.Other then that the X2F or a dummy coupler would work for me.
Railroad of LION is very prototypical...
Separation of equipment is a function of the back-shops.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Modelling HO Scale with a focus on the West and Midwest USA
I use the bamboo skewers also, but mine are cut down a little and have colored tape wrapped around the 'handle end'. I keep some at each throttle pocket. Will have to try the 'sand end flat' method and see how it helps.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Magnets. I don't like reaching into the scene.