Uncoupling Problem

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi Guys,

I have spent the last 2 hours trying to determine why I’m having difficulty uncoupling cars on 2 sidings where I’m using Kadee “between the track” magnets for uncoupling. Let me explain what makes these 2 sidings unique.

The 2 sidings in question each come off the mainline, about two feet apart from each other. They each meet and go through a 30 degree crossing and then towards their respective industries. For all the other sidings on my layout, I used shims which bring the level of the siding track from the elevated mainline, down to “grade”, in about 9 inches. Thus, my sidings look better…not being at the same height as the elevated mainline. Obviously, because I have a crossing on the 2 sidings in question, I wasn’t able to use the shims. Instead, I gradually “slanted” the track toward the crossing and set the crossing itself on a slant so that the tracks coming out either end were at grade. I set the magnets on the sidings at grade, just beyond the crossing.

Now, when I attempt to uncouple using the Kadee magnets, I have problems because it appears the engine is still on the somewhat elevated crossing but the magnet and cars to be uncoupled are at grade. I guess my question is…have any of you had this problem? It looks like I may have to rip up the crossing and sidings because the magnets apparently only work when both the engine and cars are on the same plane. With the engine at a slight tilt, the coupler on it doesn’t get attracted to the magnet properly. I tried different combinations of rolling stock and engines and the uncoupling is only successful about half the time.

I guess what I may have to do is what I did on my first layout. I didn’t know about the shims then and just used the same cork for my sidings as I used on the mainline. Then, I built up the area around the sidings with filler and at

2

Are the cars to be uncoupled are on the lengths of track in question, are they trying to roll downhill? If they are, that’s your problem. The couplers won’t uncouple over the magnet if the cars are keeping tension on the couplers. Only when the cars are still and the couplers slack will they uncouple.

3

Actually, the freight cars I’ve tried uncoupling are on track that is flat and at “grade”. The engine attached is however elevated a little and leaning sideways due to the fact that the crossing is leaning.

Thanks for your input.

Mondo

4

I think that you’ve answered your own question. There has to be no tension on either coupler so that the glad hand can move side-ways pulling each knuckle open. With the car on the level and the engine tilting away, the knuckles cannot be seperated by the glad hands. Can you move the magnet to a flat area? That should help.

5

SORRY -

But there has to be a release of tension across the magnet - such as when cars are backing up.

MONDO: You may have to resort to the Electro-Magnet for more gausses (power).

6

With the engine elevated, the “glad hand” may be dragging on the magnet.

Are all your delayed magnets set to proper height by the Kadee gauge? The magnets are at proper height for code 100 when laid directly on the ties. For code 83, some tie material needs to be shaved to drop the magnet.

If none of this applies, then the stronger electromagnet as Don mentions would be a solution before tearing up the trackwork.