[a62213]

Hey all,

Im all new to this forum, but need a bit of advise.

Im planing a small "Timesaver" layout using PECO Finescale code 55 track and turnouts. However im having a hard time finding out how to do the uncoupling. I dont want to do "Gods Hands", but something electronic device. No retailer near me have the uncoupler from PECO, so I dont know how that work, but if some have some pictures/videos of it working, that would be great.

Else, it would nice to have other advise, about how I could do the uncoupling. Most likely I will use Loco and wagons from either Minitrix or Fleischmann.

Thanks in advance.

Henrik

 

[Edwin]

There is an article on Rapido couplers in the May issue of Model Rail. It says the Peco uncoupler is simply an electromagnet and will only work with couplers that have no spring - also I believe they need to be fitted with an extra metal piece so the magnet can lift them. It also mentions mechanical uncouplers for the Rapido type from Fleischmann (9112), Roco and Minitrix, but there is no information on whether these can be fitted to Peco track.

 

[Brian Considine]

If you have no luck would it be possible to use the FLM uncoupling ramps adapted to the code 55 ?

 

[a62213]

QUOTE (dbclass50 @ 2 May 2008, 13:55) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>If you have no luck would it be possible to use the FLM uncoupling ramps adapted to the code 55 ?

Might be, but i forgot to add, that at least the Minitrix uncoupler is big, and not very pretty to look at. I need it to be under the track/board, like i think the PECO is, but i just need some pics of it "working".

 

[Chinahand]

Hi Henrick,

I too spent many hours mulling over the question of N Gauge autocouplers but, having tried several different types I have eventually settled on the Microtrains Couplers. They are a knuckle type coupler with a magnetic dropper which could (almost) be taken to be a hose connection. They are very neat and (so far) have proved to be 100% reliable. The assembly of the kit form couplers is a bit fiddly though you can, alternatively, buy ready assembled ones.

Regards,

Expat

 

[a62213]

QUOTE (Expat @ 2 May 2008, 15:56) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi Henrick,

I too spent many hours mulling over the question of N Gauge autocouplers but, having tried several different types I have eventually settled on the Microtrains Couplers. They are a knuckle type coupler with a magnetic dropper which could (almost) be taken to be a hose connection. They are very neat and (so far) have proved to be 100% reliable. The assembly of the kit form couplers is a bit fiddly though you can, alternatively, buy ready assembled ones.

Regards,

Expat

Hm, that looks interesting!!

How does the uncoupling work? Does the uncoupling just happen when you stop over the magnet, or?

 

[upnick]

QUOTE (Expat @ 2 May 2008, 14:56) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi Henrick,

I too spent many hours mulling over the question of N Gauge autocouplers but, having tried several different types I have eventually settled on the Microtrains Couplers. They are a knuckle type coupler with a magnetic dropper which could (almost) be taken to be a hose connection. They are very neat and (so far) have proved to be 100% reliable. The assembly of the kit form couplers is a bit fiddly though you can, alternatively, buy ready assembled ones.

Regards,

Expat

Hi Henrick,

I too use microtrains couplings and find them 100% reliable the only preparation if you havnt laid track is to let in the magnet into the board and cover with ballast be sure to keep the magnet central to the track though as in the instructions.

Once uncoupled the wagon/wagons can be moved to any point on the layout as long as no slack is left between the loco and coupling on the first wagon so the scope of use is limitless.

Take a look at this link to see how the couplings operate .. .... scroll down in the inner window it takes a minute to load i find

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=4633V-K...;hl=en#PPA35,M1

upnick.

 

[Vulcan]

QUOTE (upnick @ 3 May 2008, 23:16) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi Henrick,

I too use microtrains couplings and find them 100% reliable the only preparation if you havnt laid track is to let in the magnet into the board and cover with ballast be sure to keep the magnet central to the track though as in the instructions.

Once uncoupled the wagon/wagons can be moved to any point on the layout as long as no slack is left between the loco and coupling on the first wagon so the scope of use is limitless.

Take a look at this link to see how the couplings operate .. .... scroll down in the inner window it takes a minute to load i find

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=4633V-K...;hl=en#PPA35,M1

upnick.

<crash>

That's the most helpful article on automatic decoupling I've seen!

Is there somewhere online (and in the UK...) that sells these couplings?

 

[Chinahand]

[quote Is there somewhere online (and in the UK...) that sells these couplings?
[/quote]

Hi Henrick,

Yes, the Micro Trains Couplers are stocked by Sharp Models of Sheffield. Their web site is at www.MGSharp.com

Cheers,

Expat

 

[Nigel2001]

QUOTE (upnick @ 3 May 2008, 22:16) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi Henrick,

I too use microtrains couplings and find them 100% reliable the only preparation if you havnt laid track is to let in the magnet into the board and cover with ballast be sure to keep the magnet central to the track though as in the instructions.

Once uncoupled the wagon/wagons can be moved to any point on the layout as long as no slack is left between the loco and coupling on the first wagon so the scope of use is limitless.

Take a look at this link to see how the couplings operate .. .... scroll down in the inner window it takes a minute to load i find

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=4633V-K...;hl=en#PPA35,M1

upnick.

If you want total reliability, use a bigger magnet and put it below the track (eg. the Kadee O scale magnet cut in half). Then hinge the magnet up/down or side-to-side to move away when not required. An O-scale magnet will work below a very thin layer of wood/card (say couple of mm) under Peco N track.

By moving the magnet away you avoid the risk of a train buffing up (removing slack) as it moves over the uncoupler and accidentally uncoupling when not wanted.

Alternatives to Microtrains include DIY kit couplers such as BB and DG available from specialist suppliers in the UK.

- Nigel