RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted August 30, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 30, 2018 (edited) Hi All Does anyone have any experience of these good or bad including installation on an existing layout? I have track laid but no ballast in place yet. https://www.modeljunction.info/couplers/43806-railcrew-on-off-remote-uncoupler.html Thanks Chris Edited August 30, 2018 by Gilbert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
298 Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 (edited) What are they like? I started a new inglenook, purely because I had a spare and nowhere to fit it.... http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/113207-railcrew-uncouplers/ I've not tried to retro-fit one (ie drilling up from underneath with the track in place), but I'm sure you'll find a way...! Edited August 30, 2018 by 298 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted August 30, 2018 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted August 30, 2018 (edited) I am using Kadees on British stock on my new shunting puzzle layout and trying to improve the reliability - mainly avoiding unwanted uncoupling which does seem to occur from time to time - just debating whether to invest in one and try it...I have a fixed magnet on the previous layout which is fine 90% of the time - I assume the steel axles on British OO stock cause some of the problems and I'm wondering if the on/off function will solve it. Edited August 30, 2018 by Gilbert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
298 Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 I always thought permanent magnets had a bit of a stigma about them, but with properly adjusted couplers and weighted/dragging stock (that is less of an issue on a shunting plank). Ironically my inglenook is more advanced than the initial layout I brought the uncouplers for, and find that I tend to leave the magnet on/in position when switching as I don't get phantom uncoupling. But now it is fitted i can use it either way, and the LED is a useful indicator of where to find it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butler Henderson Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 (edited) I am using Kadees on British stock on my new shunting puzzle layout and trying to improve the reliability - mainly avoiding unwanted uncoupling which does seem to occur from time to time - just debating whether to invest in one and try it...I have a fixed magnet on the previous layout which is fine 90% of the time - I assume the steel axles on British OO stock cause some of the problems and I'm wondering if the on/off function will solve it. I use wherever possible the much maligned IMO original Bachmann wheelsets with a plastic centre to the axle but even then then unintentional uncoupling can occur so I have undertrack magnets located on hinges and lifted / lowered in place by servos. I take this Rapido product to be an improvement on the rather clunky Kadee Electromagnet. Not too keen on the LED - I mark the location of the magnet by a bird glued to a lineside structure. Edited August 30, 2018 by Butler Henderson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted August 30, 2018 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted August 30, 2018 (edited) I always thought permanent magnets had a bit of a stigma about them, but with properly adjusted couplers and weighted/dragging stock (that is less of an issue on a shunting plank). Ironically my inglenook is more advanced than the initial layout I brought the uncouplers for, and find that I tend to leave the magnet on/in position when switching as I don't get phantom uncoupling. But now it is fitted i can use it either way, and the LED is a useful indicator of where to find it. I agree but however much I fettle I always seem to end up with a rogue wagon of some sort - usually one I really want to use - and I want to eliminate as much of the problem as possible! Edited August 30, 2018 by Gilbert 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
298 Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 Not too keen on the LED - I mark the location of the magnet by a bird glued to a lineside structure. The LED is on a separate 12v feed, so although it isn't mentioned in the instructions, you could fit a dimmer to control its brightness. Although it's only use is operational and has no prototype credibility, I sometimes have trouble finding the centre of a hidden magnet on someone else's layout, and would even consider LED markers with permanent magnets. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium newbryford Posted August 30, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 30, 2018 I have one to play with but haven't yet fired it up. Plan is to find a suitable DCC accessory decoder to power it. This reminds me that I must get on with it sooner rather than later. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted August 31, 2018 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted August 31, 2018 I shall acquire one from Model Junction when i return from hols and give it a go... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted August 31, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 31, 2018 You can get 3 Dingham uncouplers for the same price. Yes, they are bigger, and don't have a LED, but a small dab of paint on the sleeper end works for me. ( usual disclaimers apply) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted August 31, 2018 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted August 31, 2018 You can get 3 Dingham uncouplers for the same price. Yes, they are bigger, and don't have a LED, but a small dab of paint on the sleeper end works for me. ( usual disclaimers apply) Do they work for Kadees as well? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted August 31, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 31, 2018 Do they work for Kadees as well? Ah, probably not. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tractor_37260 Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Anyone know what this part is used for ? no mention of it in the instructions..... TIA Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted January 26, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted January 26, 2019 Face plate for switch and LED - I'll try to post a photo in use later Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tractor_37260 Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Face plate for switch and LED - I'll try to post a photo in use later Chris Wow ! thanks - that's the quickest reply EVER...........aha - for control panel mounting.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted January 26, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted January 26, 2019 Face plate for switch and LED - I'll try to post a photo in use later Chris Some pictures of my first one installed on a test track Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Do they work for Kadees as well? Hi, The link says any magnetically operated knuckle coupler so I would guess that's a yes. I think some people make their own using electronics, a servo and two high strength permanent magnets. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tractor_37260 Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 Some pictures of my first one installed on a test trackP1410887.JPGP1410885.JPG Thanks for the photos, neat test track. How do you find it works - does it attract steel axles when live - as per the Kadee version ? The electromagnet part is bigger than I was expecting from photos. Using Kadee delayed uncoupling ramps, I sometimes find both trip pins move to the same side so don't uncouple, hopefully that won't happen with these. Regards Ken Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
St. Simon Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 Hi, I am planning to use the Rail Crew Uncouplers for my next layout, but I can't find a UK source of them, Rails of Sheffield used to do them, but I can't see them listed anymore. Does anyone else know of a UK source of them, or do I have to get them from Rapido directly? Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted May 20, 2020 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted May 20, 2020 I got mine from Model Junction 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdvle Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 59 minutes ago, St. Simon said: I am planning to use the Rail Crew Uncouplers for my next layout, but I can't find a UK source of them, Rails of Sheffield used to do them, but I can't see them listed anymore. If no one else comes up with a UK source then try contacting Rails of Sheffield to see what they say - they may still be able to get them even if not listed 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted May 20, 2020 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted May 20, 2020 On 26/01/2019 at 19:47, tractor_37260 said: Thanks for the photos, neat test track. How do you find it works - does it attract steel axles when live - as per the Kadee version ? The electromagnet part is bigger than I was expecting from photos. Using Kadee delayed uncoupling ramps, I sometimes find both trip pins move to the same side so don't uncouple, hopefully that won't happen with these. Regards Ken I found it a bit "strong" for small British stock resulting in the odd "shuffle" so I've removed it and stored for use with some US HO I have a plan for. To be entirely fair when I removed it I saw that the track was not quite level and that may have exaggerated any problems. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
srihaggis Posted June 14, 2020 Share Posted June 14, 2020 What is the actual 'depth' of the unit incl the green connector type thing on the end? I saw Rails of Sheff listing the depth as 20mm, but I suspect that is just the cylindrical part? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Dagworth Posted June 14, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 14, 2020 On 20/05/2020 at 16:15, Gilbert said: I got mine from Model Junction Are Model Junction UK based? I cannot find a land address anywhere on their website. Their "About Us" page is really helpful https://www.modeljunction.info/content/4-about-us Andi 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dungrange Posted June 14, 2020 Share Posted June 14, 2020 42 minutes ago, Dagworth said: Are Model Junction UK based? I cannot find a land address anywhere on their website. Their "About Us" page is really helpful https://www.modeljunction.info/content/4-about-us Andi My understanding is that Model Junction are based in Slough - https://www.yell.com/biz/model-junction-slough-4278563/. I agree that their address doesn't seem to be on their website and looking at the invoice they sent me when I ordered from them last year, it doesn't seem to give an address either, which is strange because I thought invoices should display the company registration details and registered office. That said, I had no issues with my order and there are a few positive comments on an old RMWeb thread. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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