I was wondering how everybody out there uncouples their N-scale rollingstock during operations?
I plan on having my track prototypically spaced such that the traditional 0-5-0 switcher will not be used on my layout as fingers won’t fit down between the tracks. I’m not sure I’m sold on magnetic uncoupling ramps… just due to the sheer number I would need.
Which is the most effective method in your view(s)?
Thanks!
Dustin,
Rix has a simple uncoupling tool for N scale(Walthers pt # 628-24). It’s a plastic probe with a pointed shovel tip. The opposite end is flattened with a hole, I used small cup hooks attached to the facia for convenient hangers.
You position it between the knuckles of the coupler and give it a clockwise twist.
It’s simple and it works great. They’re packaged two per package.
you’re right; the Rix uncoupler is great. However; 2 other methods that I’ve heard about but never tried are using a peice of stiff wire, or a pencil. Also; when MR built a N scale project layout about 10 years ago they used rare earth magnets from S & L Enterprises for uncouplers.
I have yet to try this, but I bought the mags and I’ll be trying it soon. It sounds promising though!
I use Rix Picks. Some folks use a wooden shish-ka-bob skewer that they sand or carve down to a flat point on one end (looks like a Rix Pick).
Not sure if you’re using rapido couplers but I know my LHS has an Atlas remote uncoupler for 19.00 or so.
It looks like it is for rapido type couplers but I’ve not used it myself so can’t speak towards it’s success.
I use a piece of rail that is about 8" in length I took from a scrap piece of flex track 
I’ve used the wire in a dowel method for uncoupling on a friend’s HO layout. You use the wired to move the trip arm under the coupler. Unfortunately, N scale rolling stock is too light for this method.
The under track magnets are a good way to go if you haven’t already laid your track. They do have a side effect, however. If you run your train across the magnet, it can uncouple the cars if you have some slack in the consist. It’s a minor inconvenience, but it can be frustrating.
The Rix sticks are fairly cheap and they work well, just be sure to keep your sidings within easy reach.
I think that I will go with the Rix Stix as my layout depth will not exceed 18", so uncoupling will be relatively easy. It will be a complex switching layout, so the number of magnets I would need would be crazy. Thanks for the help guys.
if you use MT couplers, I’d suggest you to try skewers like these. using some graphite from a pencil as lubricant might help.
I’ll give it a try. Should I remove the meat first?[dinner]
only when you need to uncouple cars other than flatcars [:D]
