Hello all
Which type of uncoupling tool do you prefer ( small screwdriver,bamboo stick,Rix uncoupling tool, etc.) and why? I have been thinking about making some for my layout,just thought i’d ask to see someone else’s preferances.
Thanks, Otto
Otto,
The bamboo or wood skewers work best for me. I sand the piont to flatten it. The reasons are two for me. First it is long enough to make it easier to work with and second ihet are cheap.
Marty C
Lots of wood skewers are laying around everywhere. There is always one in reach.
My first is choice the KD magnet and my second choice is a small flat tip screwdriver.
If those two fail for some reason then the sky hand tool is called into use.
Ah yes Brakie… the good ole 0-5-0 never fails!
When i’m running HO at my club I use skewers. At home or at the club when i’m running N scale I use RIX PICS. No magnets.
I like bamboo skewers. They’re effective and cheap. I can locate them all around the layout so there’s always one within easy reach, and if one gets damaged I don’t care if it needs to be discarded and replaced.
I don’t care for fixed magnets. I want to uncouple wherever makes sense for the work I’m doing.
I use a soldering pick, i got somewhere… probably an estate sale. Nice light wieght with a pokey end and a split pokey end. Works great on couplers.
Bamboo skewers. Can have a couple laying around at each station. Simple, effective and cheap.
I’m using Kadee #119 Scale Shelf Couplers and the only thing that works easily is dropping a magnet between the rails. I bought a Kadee tool, that was a waste of money as far as I’m concerned.
Mel
Modeling the SP in HO scale since 1951
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
Bamboo skewer with a Twist-on wire connector screwed on the blunt end for better grip.
All my tank cars have shelf couplers, mostly Kadee #119 (Tpe SE) save for a couple with #118 (Type SF - some tank cars had them). If you retain the trip pins, a skewer inserted between them usually works to uncouple. Using a skewer in the knuckles doesn’t always accomplish anything.
Second that. The flat edges make it easier.
I used to be strict about using magnets, but once I got the hang of bamboo skewers I changed my mind.
I bought a two-pack of the Rix N scale uncouplers at my local hobby shop a few years ago, and still use these. My N scale layout is pretty small, so no need for extras. Those bamboo skewers sound like a good idea though, and if I have a few leftover mini-kabobs after the next barbeque I’ll try them with model trains.
Jeff
A magnet…but I’m using Sergents…
I model N-Scale, tried using bamboo skewers, and found them to be a bit thick, especially for my passenger cars. I have since switched to the Pix Pick and have no complaints.
Those guy’s from Quebec, it’s always one upmanship with them.[(-D]
Actually Guy, I think that is a great idea! I think my arthritic hands will also think it is a good idea.[bow]
I have skewers all over the layout. They are even used to help show this mere mortal where the emperors new tunnel is.[swg]
I use my finger, just pick up one car by the trucks a little, then set down so the Kadees are set so the car can be pushed into a siding and left there. I’ve started removing the pretend glad-hands from the couplers; I’ve been doing it this way for 25+ years so I guess the “temporary measure til I add magnets” idea is pretty well worn out…
I also use the uncoupling tool that came with my soldering iron. I’ve never used it for anything else. Still not sure why it came with a soldering iron.
I’ll continue this way until I can type in the car number then select “uncouple a (or b) end” on my controller.
T e d
For me I like hands free uncoupling and the delayed uncoupling feature that KD couplers offers…To be honest that’s what got me to using KDs back in '68.Other then that the X2F or a dummy coupler would work for me.