TurboSnail Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 Having looked at all the various types of uncoupling devices (Kadee, magnets, hand of God, etc.), I thought I'd see if anyone else has a DIY solution for a bit less money! I'm currently working on a version for standard OO tension locks involving cams lifting a piece of cardboard between the tracks - it's very 'bodgy' and I'll post a few images when the damn thing finally works... So any unusual/novel uncoupling methods out there? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Trofimow Posted July 15, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 15, 2016 For tension locks, I don't think you can beat the Brian Kirby magnetic method as described on here some while ago. Simple, very effective and inexpensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodshaw Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 Having looked at all the various types of uncoupling devices (Kadee, magnets, hand of God, etc.), I thought I'd see if anyone else has a DIY solution for a bit less money! I'm currently working on a version for standard OO tension locks involving cams lifting a piece of cardboard between the tracks - it's very 'bodgy' and I'll post a few images when the damn thing finally works... So any unusual/novel uncoupling methods out there? For tension locks and the Tillig continental couplers, I used a method similar to the one you describe. Mine were plastic or cardboard ramps between the tracks, raised and lowered by Slippery Sid wire in tube. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Sasquatch Posted July 15, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 15, 2016 (edited) Have a look at my blog . Adds so much more fun to operating sessions. When I get around to it I'll be adding it to my other layout, and will install it on all future builds. Knitting needles also make good operating actuators, that is if your base boards aren't too wide. Regards Shaun Edited July 15, 2016 by Sasquatch 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozthedog Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 (edited) For the cost of a staple and a magnet the Kirby uncoupler works a treat. You can see it working by searching youtube for "kirby uncoupler" Edited July 15, 2016 by ozthedog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Sasquatch Posted July 15, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 15, 2016 Nearly 1400 staples in my case! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davetheroad Posted July 16, 2016 Share Posted July 16, 2016 I am trialing the Brian Kirby system and also a non magnetic one using springy clear plastic strips cut from supermarket grape boxes. I don't mind my layout looking somewhat 'trainsettey' so the choice will be what is most reliable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted July 16, 2016 Share Posted July 16, 2016 Dependent on how much you operate, eventually a coupler tail completes the cut through the plastic, and the train derails. No such trouble with the Brian Kirby system. Only lacks the 'latched uncoupled' feature to fully match Kadee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboSnail Posted July 16, 2016 Author Share Posted July 16, 2016 Nice to see all the different approaches! As for mine... Prototype No.1 of the cam system is up and running: Turn the axle and the cam lifts the base, which is attached to the cardboard section between the rails. Simple, and works pretty well too, despite being made from a magnum stick, an old offcut of steel rod, some wire and one of those felt pads you put on the feet of furniture! The lifted bit is supposed to look better, but this is only the mk.1. The next ones will be disguised as wooden walkways across the tracks, which hopefully will be less obvious/ The idea seems to be worth pursuing, though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davetheroad Posted July 16, 2016 Share Posted July 16, 2016 Dependent on how much you operate, eventually a coupler tail completes the cut through the plastic, and the train derails. No such trouble with the Brian Kirby system. Only lacks the 'latched uncoupled' feature to fully match Kadee. No problem, just replace with another free one! I have 2 problems with the Kirby system. Over 140 wagons/coaches, none of which have Bachmann non magnetic tails. Over precise positioning of wagons on coupler, not good at a distance for my eyes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davetheroad Posted July 16, 2016 Share Posted July 16, 2016 Nice to see all the different approaches! As for mine... Prototype No.1 of the cam system is up and running: WP_000813.jpg Turn the axle and the cam lifts the base, which is attached to the cardboard section between the rails. Simple, and works pretty well too, despite being made from a magnum stick, an old offcut of steel rod, some wire and one of those felt pads you put on the feet of furniture! WP_000814.jpg The lifted bit is supposed to look better, but this is only the mk.1. The next ones will be disguised as wooden walkways across the tracks, which hopefully will be less obvious/ The idea seems to be worth pursuing, though. Interesting! thinks - how about a little balloon you inflate under the plate, a quick squeeze and away you go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Sasquatch Posted July 16, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 16, 2016 (edited) For areas where the uncoupler isn't installed I also have a long dentists pick and an extra long cable on my hand held controller. Edited July 16, 2016 by Sasquatch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboSnail Posted August 1, 2017 Author Share Posted August 1, 2017 Finally got round to taking a video of the uncoupling thing 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokebox Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 I like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium ColinK Posted August 1, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 1, 2017 Simple and effective. Brilliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCB Posted August 3, 2017 Share Posted August 3, 2017 If you have plenty of time and a limited budget and don't want to bin tension locks the Brian Kirby uncoupler is very good, however with the very cheap 20p or less each Chinese super neo magnets it might be worth using Turbosnail's cam system to raise and lower magnets (in pairs) around the goods yard etc to give multiple uncoupling places. I am thinking you could detach a single van at an end load dock and still recouple if you used a movable magnet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Tony Teague Posted August 3, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 3, 2017 I worked through the various options recently and having rejected kadees because they come apart at gradient changes, I have settled back on small tension locks and the Heathcote Electronics uncoupler. See: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/118492-heathcote-electronics-uncoupler-for-tension-lock-couplings/ Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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