Hey all, I just got done converting my loco's and rolling stock to KD/McHenry couplers. Now I used to use the horn/hook type, and had specific pieces of track to uncouple the cars. I have taken these out of my layout, but want to know how to uncouple these knuckle couplers without using the ol 5 finger method. I've heard of some sort of magnetic gizmos that uncouples. What method do you all use? ------------------ Shaummy
With the Kadee type knuckle coupler you can use an uncoupling pick or as i use a small little standard screwdriver that fits right between the knuckles. Twist to open. Or you can use the magnets between or under the track. With the Accurail couplers they make a tool that works for theirs, but i can't remember the name...
Well, Kadee has several different magnet uncouplers. You can see them on the Kadee website at http://www.kadee.com/ They run from electrics to under the table uncoupling magnets to the non-delayed and delayed between the rails uncoupling magnets. I use the delayed uncoupling magnets myself. They lay between the rails and permit you to uncouple, pull forward slightly and then push the car without recoupling to spot it. I number of people I know are not using magnets except where they cannot reach and use somthing like a Fondue skewer to reach in between the cars and uncouple them. I think that Accurail has a special uncoupling tool for doing the same thing. (Not sure about the Accurail, but the tool is out there.) Roger Roger Hensley - rhensley@anderson.cioe.com == http://cid.railfan.net == == Central Indiana Division, Midwest Region, NMRA ==
Rix Products came out with an uncoupling tool some time back that, when placed between the cars you want to uncouple, pull the little metal "air hoses" apart, thus opening the couplers. It's a plastic handle with two magnets you super-glue into place- really handy! I also use one of my wife's used knitting needles. Hope this helps ------------------ Southeast....Southwest.. Ship IT on the Frisco! Bob T. http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html
On my railroad, I use kadee couplers, and have the between rail magnets on sidings that are hard to reach, but mostly rely on the Accurail uncoupling tool, believe they call it the "switchman" or something similar. These work with kadee, accumate and McHenry with no problems to speak of. Takes a little practice at first. I have them located in pockets on the facia board at each town/switching point for crews to use during op sessions. Have only lost two in a year or so. Bob Miller
Shammy, if you still have any of the Mantua Loop and Hook couplers, complete with pin and screws and pocket. E-Mail me at: wdtrains@flash.net. I still use them. I can not use the European type. ------------------ Watash
In N-Scale we have the Micro-Trains (Kaydee's Little Brother) and Accu-Mate (Atlas) couplers. You can uncouple them with the magnetic ramps or with the "small tools". I like the tools myself, but it's not always easy to get to the spot of release so the magnets come into play there. ------------------ BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX! Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!
