I can't find the post where Unimates were first recommended to me, for my sons plastic frame LL E8, It was a while ago... I was too chicken to try until, I got a good deal on a second E* (In case I screwed up)..... Well they came today and in a few minutes the E8 and his Model Power Fed Ex car were converted!!! High speed, !5 cars, 2 hours, No uncoupling!!!! Thank you all!!
I'm with you on this 100%.... I have used Unimated to convert my extensive collection of European engines/cars. It's an opportunity to add a big chunk of realism very easily...AND...coupling connections are very very secure. I have never experienced a coupler related failure.
Easy to install and no uncoupling. They can't be beat for close coupling of E and F units from all manufacturers. Ben
I've used them for close coupling all my IM F units (F7 ABBA, F3 ABA) and also my RF16 Sharks (ABBA). As these always run in the same configuration, I'm not concerned about the lack of uncoupling. They look much better since the conversion.
I love the Unimates also and use them almost exclusively. To get even closer coupling than the Unimates, I sometimes use RailLine HOn3 dummy couplers; however, you lose the coupler box when using the HOn3 couplers.
I have been using Unimates since they came out years ago. I have a lot of MT cars which will automatically uncouple, but the Unimates are not paralleled for strength and reliability in a pulling consist. Plus there is absolute zero requirement in installation into the old coupler pockets that housed the old rapidos. The Unimates are very adaptable as they have them for body mounts, short, medium and long shanks for passenger cars and tenders whichever you need, and can be adapted for close coupling, or extended length. Plus, they are available in black or brown. Evidently they are owned by Red Caboose now, and just hope they can expand their distribution network, as the LHS's down here in SoFla do not carry them extensively. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
I use the Unimates for all my Intermountain "F" units as well as many Kato diesels. The Unimates really close down those open spaces that you get with factory installed couplers.
Unimates are great for trains that you have no intention of breaking up. I like to use them on passenger trains. The lead car has a working coupler for connecting to a locomotive, but the rest of the consist uses unimates. Another thing they've been used for by other modelers is with ore cars. Couple 4-6 cars together with unimates between them and a working coupler on each end of the group. You can actually shorten and lengthen your ore train this way when switching in a yard, but still have solid coupling between the vast majority of cars.
Coal cars! Hah! My son is now looking forward to MP Fed Ex cars to do the same thing. I'm looking forward to no more trainwrecks when the MP rapido lets go!
I use Unimates on the rear of all my diesels. As I always run the engines in pairs (minimum), that leaves the MT couplers on the front for operations.
They are shaped differently of the end that connects to the body. If someone had a reference for where they could be used......
You beat me to it. While I read these accolades I still have no idea what separates them from MTs? I am infering that they are harder to couple and uncouple?
Mine only uncouple by significant 0-5-0 jiggling. Therefore they go between locos. I use MT's on front of locos in my ABBA lashups so they can easily uncouple from cars they're hauling.
Grey One - Imagine a MT style knuckle coupler with no moving parts in the coupler. It of course swings side to side for curves, what I mean is the actual coupling part is one solid piece. They can't couple or uncouple without using your hand. You have to lift one unimate over the other. Hopefully that makes sense? I'm sure someone can explain it better than that.
Dave - thanks. yes, I think I must have a few of those and explains why I had so much trouble. Thanks!`
Remember you only need one for 'positive coupling', so on a three-unit set of power that is semi-permanently coupled I'll have the first unit normal, the second unit with a lead Unimate and the third unit with a lead Unimate; two couplers can do three units.
Some pictures since there is some confusion. I admit, this is an unusual use. Russell Straw's kitbashed ATSF RPO car has unimates. See the first post in this thread.
MT are not easy to swap. This conversion is unusual in that it has a hole drilled in the unimate specifically for the purpose of fitting it into an engine. Changing MT trucks to unimates takes some drilling and a completely different unimate...#1080 from Red caboose, I think.
