This has to be one of the most basic processes out there, so I must be missing something blatantly obvious, but I need someone to explain to me what the technique is for using a bamboo skewer or other tool for uncoupling cars with Kadee couplers. I’m needing to retire the old 0-5-0 that has been “handling” that duty all these years.
0-5-0? [(-D]
hand.
As I understand it, you put the point between the knuckles and turn. They separate.
Gene has it almost right. You gently push the skewer between the knuckles and it spreads the couplers apart so you can drop the car.
I got a KD uncoupling tool which is just a plastic version of the skewers. It takes a little practice to uncouple without derailing the cars but it is not too difficult to learn. Just insert it between the couplers and twist. I rarely have any trouble derailing the cars anymore.
THREE METHODS: Otherwise picking cars off track (sometimes called the ‘Big hook’)…
DELAYED MAGNETIC: Push your car over a magnet. Pull away, then push to relocate. (A KD patent).
RIX 628-0014 Uncoupling tool: place over couplers between cars.Roll away.
SKEWER insertion: Overhead, to force clasps apart. Roll away.
ALL 3 take some practice,
Here is a neat technique I stumbled on at a trainshow/meet with several clubs. If you are using DCC it is easier, but can still be done with DC. Bring the train in at its slowest speed, so it will stop if you close the throttle just a little bit, but still have some energy, use the reverse to open slack in the coupler, insert the pick in the gap and change the reverse back to forward. They should separate easily with no cars holding the engine. It may take a little practice to get it down, but as long as you slack the couplers it is no problem. Have fun seeing how smoothly you can do it! jc 5729 John Colley, Port Townsend, WA