What is the difference between a Kadee non-delayed uncoupler (312) and a delayed uncoupler (321)? I thought that the delaying action was achieved in the coupler itself, not the uncoupler. It would seem to me that any uncoupler that disengages the couplers can support delayed uncoupling. Is the 308 a delayed or non-delayed uncoupler?
Thanks.
jack
The ‘Delayed’ action is in the centering spring design. The 'flat springs (#5 and 40 Series) use 2 different spring actions against a head with 2 different angles, to accomplish.
When over the appropriate* magnet , these angles allow the opened ‘clasps’ to off set against each other, and push the other car to a desired location, and drop it without recoupling.
The simpler, newer, ‘whisker’ 130 series are designed for those preferring super-simple (plug in) mounting over the ‘delayed’ Kaydee patented feature.
From reading posts on this forum, I guess Kadee designed a product to get around around the ‘bothersome’ #5, for some ‘modelers’.
According to KADEE’s ad, the #308 magnet supports 'Delayed uncoupling - (with the appropriate couplers - #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, + 40 series).
http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page87.htm
The delayed uncoupler is slightly wider and more powerful to keep the entire knuckle pulled to the side somewhat while the couplers are separated slightly and then put back together in “delayed” pushing position. An animation on the Kadee web site explains this sequence better than my words (see http://www.kadee.com/animation/c1.htm).
The non-delayed uncoupler just has to open the knuckle.
Kadee stopped making separate non-delayed and delayed couplers in the '60s. All are now capable of delayed action, and have been for decades. The only real difference was in the strength of the centering spring.
yours in coupling
Fred W
This is Kadee’s page explaining “delayed” uncoupling:
http://www.kadee.com/animation/c1.htm
It’s pretty good.
According to Kadee, the #308 is a Delayed uncoupler.
I suspect that the non-delayed uncoupler doesn’t pull the couplers as far off to the side, so they will re-engage when they are brought back together, even over the magnet.
I’ve got several of the delayed-action uncouplers installed, including a #309 electric one on the main line, which is only active when I push the button. This keeps trains from accidentally uncoupling if I happen to stop them at that point. All of these work pretty well.
When locating the uncouplers, make sure you put them on a straight section of track, with straight track on either side at least as far as the longest car or engine you plan to uncouple there. They don’t work well on curves. I mount mine even with the rail heads, not slightly above as recommended by Kadee. Some engines (like my P2K S1 switcher) have low truck clearance and actually run aground if the coupler is mounted to the Kadee spec. Also, get the Kadee coupler gauge and trip-pin pliers if you don’t have them already. Make sure the couplers and trip pins are properly adjusted, and they should work just fine.
Jack,
Magne-Matic Delayed Action ® is a matter of how far the coupler opens when it’s uncoupled. The narrower #312 (our only non delayed uncoupler) is only wide enough to open the couplers just enough to uncouple them. The wider #321 (and all our other uncouplers except the #312) opens the couplers much farther to set them in the “delayed” position. This means as long as the couplers are over the magnet they are open enough to be able to push the couplers together and off the magnet without them “locking” together, the “thumb” of the coupler (non moving part of the head) is inside of the opposing coupler where they can not latch. In this “delayed” position and as long as you have continuous preasure you can now push the uncoupled car anywhere on you layout and “spot it” then pull away. The couplers will then re-center and be ready to be coupled again.
Don Gibson (bless him for his efforts) is not wrong in his description but a bit incomplete. The #5 type of centering spring was designed to help the coupler slide over into the delayed position but this is a 1950s design. ALL of our couplers are designed for the delayed action feature. So it’s a matter of uncoupler selection and personally I can not find a practical use for the non delayed #312 uncoupler. For HO stick with the #321, #308, or our newer designed #309 under the ties electric uncoupler.
Sam Clarke
Kadee Quality Products