N gauge un coupling

Discussion in 'RTR Stock' started by Budget Model Railways, Mar 22, 2017.

  1. Budget Model Railways

    Budget Model Railways Full Member

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    I've been trying to work out how to uncouple wagons so I can shunt etc but can't seem to make N gauge uncouple smoothly. I'm used to OO which I use a magnet or HO which just push from below. What am I doing wrong please?!
     
  2. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Must admit I've not seen many threads on N Gauge uncoupling but we do have a couple of N Gaugers on here that just might be able to chip in. One man who excels in the genre is Marty of this parish.

    With a little bit of luck he may catch your post and give us the benifit of his worldly ways. :avatar:

    Meanwhile, if I can find anything ........ I'll post up the details. ...... N gauge ......... Brave man. :thumbs:
     
  3. Marty

    Marty Full Member

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    G'day!

    You called Toto? (Thanks Sol for the heads up.)

    Yes, coupling and uncoupling N gauge is a challenge. But it is not insurmountable.

    Firstly, there is an excellent N Gauge forum at www.ngaugeforum.co.uk where you will find discussions on the options of improving n gauge couplings amongst many other things.

    Secondly, are you using the standard coupling that comes with the rtr rolling stock?

    Cheers

    Marty
     
  4. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Thank you Marty kind Sir. He couldn''t be in better hands. Nice to hear from you. Hope all is well.n:thumbs:
     
  5. Marty

    Marty Full Member

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    Thanks Toto, yes, all well, just busy and not posting much at the moment.
    Must be time to update my layout thread... I'll see what I can do.

    cheers
    Marty
     
  6. Budget Model Railways

    Budget Model Railways Full Member

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    Hi Marty

    Thanks fir your reply, I will have a look at that link this evening. Yes using the rtr coupling.

    Mike
     
  7. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Hi Marty,

    Good to hear all is good. I'll look forward to see your progress. Always a pleasure.

    Cheers for now

    Toto
     
  8. Marty

    Marty Full Member

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    Hi Mike,
    No problems, glad to help a fellow Ngauger ;)
    Although I've been modelling in N for 20 odd years I'd best come clean and own up to still using the standard RTR Rapido coupling.
    However, this is only because I've not yet got to the point where I need to go through the effort (and cost) of replacing them with something that works.
    When I do I will be probably converting some of my rolling stock using the Dapol coupling.
    http://dapol.co.uk/shop/model-accessories/coupling-systems/n-gauge-coupling
    or micro scale coupling
    https://www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=63_109
    I'll do some testing first and work out the costs.
    both systems use magnets in the track to enable uncoupling.
    There are quite a few web sites dealing with this recognised issue, just google N Scale couplings.
    The standard RTR Rapido coupling on it's own isn't too bad at coupling... however, uncoupling is another thing altogether.
    How you go about it depends upon what level of hands-off shunting you want and how much time, effort and money you want to expend to achieve your goal.
    There are additions available from PECO that can be used with their ELSIE coupling to allow magnetic decoupling.
    http://www.peco-uk.com/product.asp?strParents=3309,3310&CAT_ID=3313&P_ID=17003
    The ELSIE is PECO version of the standard Rapido.
    Or you can try some of the homemade / cottage industry systems... I can't find one at the moment but they are out there.
    Basically, can you achieve reliable uncoupling with the standard rapido coupler as it come rtr. The answer is, in my opinion, no. I'm happy to stand corrected.
    cheers
    Marty
     
  9. Budget Model Railways

    Budget Model Railways Full Member

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    Hi Marty

    That's really very helpful, can't thank you enough. I have the option of trying to fit either TT or 009 couplings which I think will be easier than trying to get N gauge to work?! If someone of your experience has problems then I'm only going to spend time re inventing the wheel. The other couplings work and as I'm using TT bodies on N chassis it will be easier to convert them to TT or 009. You have saved me a lot of time, thanks again. Mike
     
  10. Marty

    Marty Full Member

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    Welcome.
    Sounds like you already have a plan!
    cheers
    Martin
     
  11. Budget Model Railways

    Budget Model Railways Full Member

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    Hi Martin
    I went today and bought some 009 couplings and mountings that I think will work when the time comes, so thanks again for your help.
    Mike
     
  12. Marty

    Marty Full Member

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    http://www.click:thumbup:
     

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