Episode 56 17 Magnetic Uncoupling

G`day Jim,

The couplings are the Bachmann screw on tension lock.

Bachmann description is:-

36-025 Couplings Mini Type Short (x10)

This means that they have a short shank to allow closer coupling....ten in a pack

If you are dealing with tight radii you could use the long shank version described as:-

36-026 Couplings Mini Type Long (x10)

which will give you more distance between the wagons....again ten in a pack.

I prefer the short shank to suit my railway and I even prefer the screw on system to the NEM system.

The NEM system I feel is poorly made. The NEM sockets on some wagons actually droop which means the coupling heights can vary from wagon to wagon. Coupling height is critical to achieve a consistent result. If the coupling heights don`t match, it`s possible the coupling hooks won`t lock under the coupling bar of the opposite wagon thereby causing unpredictable uncoupling. On the other hand if the coupling heights don`t match properly, it can cause derailments when pushing the wagons. This is rare but more likely going over a hump or at the bottom of an incline.

Whatever coupling system you adopt for your railway, it`s best to have all couplings of the same type and be pedantic about setting them up at the correct heights so they will function properly.

Hope this helps.......if there`s anything else you need to know just give me a call.

http://www.clickGormo

PS....don`t know if you`ve seen this video but it`s my final development of this system. It may be worth checking it out before you commit to any of my previous versions.

Magnetic Delayed Uncoupling

 

Thanks Jim,

Yes someone else has mentioned the grape system to me.....can`t remember who now.?????

But I can see how it would look really good. I guess natural products are the best. I have used wood dowels as tree trunks and I`ve scribed them and roughed them up and painted them etc., however I get a better result from my old plum tree in the back yard. I cut a thin branch off and use small sections to create tree trunks.......no painting or scribing required and they look right.

http://www.clickGormo

 

No Toto,

I`ve just remembered......it was my daughter......she has the artistic eye as well..

Mind you it does sound like something Ian would think of ....

http://www.clickGormo