[spottydog]

Can anyone provide pics or links to a site that show pics of all or most of the couplings available to "N" gauge?
Also can all rolling stock be converted from one type to another or are there some that are impossible to change?
Considering I will mostly be shunting, easy positive uncoupling & recoupling is paramount. I know there has been many posts on coupling before, but I am still confused comparing one type against another!
Cheers
Spottydog

 

[spottydog]

[quote name='spottydog' date='3 Mar 2009, 08:19' post='81492']
Can anyone provide pics or links to a site that show pics of all or most of the couplings available to "N" gauge?

After more research I have found a site that answers my own question.

www.nscaledivision.com/information_on_couplers.htm

Spottydog

 

[spottydog]

Hi Edwin
It would appear that there is no EASY solution for auto uncoupling in "N" gauge, although the article does mention that Microtrains are ok and I do fancy them really as in "OO" they appear to work a treat.

HI Upnick
What do you mean..... Replacing the Truck/bogie.....I don't understand, do you mean fitting a new bottom half to each wagon?

Spottydog

 

[spottydog]

Thanks for your imput guys

When I started this project last year I really didn't think it would be so complicated! I mean how hard can it be to devise a coupler for "N" gauge that actually works. I find it difficult to believe that if these manufacturers can produce it in "OO" why not in this day and age, and with its growing popularity of "N" why it can't be reproduced only smaller.
It reminds me of the story of the American drill bit manufacturer who produced the Worlds SMALLEST drill bit and presumably just to show off sent it to one of their rivals in Japan. Weeks later they received a parcel back from them and inside was the drill bit they had sent weeks earlier. It wasn't until they looked at it under a microscope that they saw a hole drilled right through the shaft of the drill bit. Touchee!!!
So what I'm saying is surely its possible for these manufacturers to do it if we shout a bit louder. On the other hand I might have to sit down and design one myself.
Spottydog

 

[spottydog]

Whilst over in the UK for the last couple of months I bought the "Model Rail"magazine August edition, and lo & behold there was a great article on page 66 by Mike Harvey on uncoupling in "N" gauge.
From reading the article it would appear that my uncoupling/coupling problem might at last be solved after starting this thread some months ago!
It basically works by using "Fleischmann Piccolo Profi" couplers AND very small 1mm magnets embedded in the coupler that operates by repelling from a 2mm magnet in the track.
According to the article it works extreemly well and to quote Mike Harvey 'It has made an N gauge shunting layout a practical &potentially very enjoyable possibility'
Has anyone else used this method and if so what are your findings?

Spottydog

 

[spottydog]

Hi Pete

Thanks for your reply, yes it would be good if you could expand on your findings, every little bit of information is appreciated not just by myself but all who read this thread.

Cheers Spottydog

 

[spottydog]

Hi Pete (1) & not to be left out Pete (2) also

Yes I have the exact same problem as you, Peco stock and a GF Brake Van which I too really like, so your question on changing the coupling on the GF is relevant.

Regarding the 1mm magnets are you going to recess them as suggested in the article in Model Rail or just glue them underneath the coupling when you find the correct position of course, also the 2mm on the sleeper same question applies, recess them or on top. I know you have been conducting your experiment with them on top of the sleeper, have you tried them recessed and do you think they will still repell alright if both are recessed?

I'm glad someone is on the same page as me with this perplexing problem, but maybe very soon a problem of the past (fingers crossed!!!!)

Cheers Spottydog