N Scale Electro Magnetic Uncoupler

[alphagt62]

Mike, I have the regular permanent magnets under my track in several places and plan to remove them, because they just don't work. Cars are either uncoupling when I don't want them to, but more often they will not uncouple when I want them to. I am using Atlas flextrack for N scale, code 80. My question is this, are these electric magnets more dependable than the permanent magnets? Stronger maybe? Thanks for the video and the help, Russell

[mrfifer]

@alphagt62 They are somewhat more powerful and more reliable but in any switching the couplers have to be Micro-Trains and operate smoothly. Other brands do not seem to be as reliable.

Thanks , Mike

[d3lp0rto]

Mike, Is there any way to run this under the roadbed for a more realistic look?

[mrfifer]

@d3lp0rto That would be an experiment for you possibly.

I prefer to see them and do most uncoupling by hand and a Rix Pix

Thanks , Mike

[MMODoubter]

Very helpful video.

I am just getting back into the hobby, and I am surprised to see how may folks are uncoupling their cars by hand.With all the money they spend on DCC, I am surprised to see that.

[mrfifer]

@MMODoubter I personally ejoy it buy hand and N scale couplers do not quite seem as reliable as HO. Maybe that is why?

Mike

[mrfifer]

Yep you need the HOn3 the HO is way to large.

Thanks , Mike

[nyc484]

Thanks Mike I answered my question.

[nyc484]

Mike-I am starting to make my uncouplers, I cut the hole as planned in the 4" kato track, but the uncoupler does not fit between. Is there a difference between the HO & HOn3 uncoupler?

Rick

[MrSkywaka]

dont they make uncoupler sections for unitrack?

[mrfifer]

@MrSkywaka Yes but not electro magnetic and there are times you do not want it energized on a main line.

Thanks , Mike

[ZacksPlace2010]

@mrfifer Now, if you don't have it turned on, then it won't uncouple, correct? In other words, the switch has to be flipped on to activate the magnet, right?

[mrfifer]

@ZacksPlace2010 Yep , correct but I would use a push button so the power can not be applied constantly , as the mag wire will burn out.

Mike

[ZacksPlace2010]

@mrfifer Also, is it always a necessity to tug back and forth with the loco to get the cars to uncouple? (I've seen others do that, is why I am asking). Are there other uncouplers where it is not necessary to do that?

[mrfifer]

@ZacksPlace2010 Yes , That is what makes the coupler uncouple is to take the slack of the couple , hence back up.

Mike

[ZacksPlace2010]

@mrfifer Oh, okay. Very cool!

[trackspike64]

hey mike how much for the uncoupler I would like 3 if the price is good my zip is 54302 greenbay wis and can u install this into a piece of atlas track

[mrfifer]

@trackspike64 They are on our website. Please email the shop.

Thanks , Mike

[trackspike64]

hey mike how much for the uncoupler I would like 3 if the price is good my zip is 54302 greenbay wis

[The301trainman]

Thank you !!

[mrfifer]

@The301trainman

Welcome Shawn!

Mike

[The301trainman]

Mrfifer what's the part number for that ??

How much is it ?

Thx shawn

[mrfifer]

@The301trainman

Here you go Shawn.

KD-708 Kadee 708 HOn3 (n-scale) Electro Magnetic Un-coupler $11.19

Thanks , Mike

[spomoly1972]

Great Video, Will this work with Bachmann ez-track?

[mrfifer]

I am sure it will but may have to make a couple adjustments.

Thanks , Mike

[csxrailman]

Mr. Fifer, again thank-you for your reply. I cleared things up for me. As the holidays are coming the layout is on hold, good fishing down here in Florida now. I have started with the electo magnetic system on my N scale layout. Have a safe holiday and happy new year!

[mrfifer]

Thanks , I envy you on the fishing. Not to good here in NM.

Mike

[nathnem]

I plan to install this uncoupler in my track, in order to use it however, I must replace all of the couplers on my cars and engines. Which coupler would you suggest I use?

[mrfifer]

All of the cars and locomotives may require different ones. I would suggest you check Micro-Trains web site to see what fits what.

Thanks , Mike

[nathnem]

Which coupler works the best with this uncoupler?

[mrfifer]

Micro-Trains

[csxrailman]

Can you explain the switch and wiring points please, I realy enjoy your video's. I want to apply this to my layout. Thanks, CSXrailman.

[mrfifer]

Sure , One side of the coil goes to one side of the power source and the other side of the coil goes to the push button and the other side of the power source goes to the other side of the push button.

Thats it.

Mike

[mrfifer]

All you need is the power supply and a normally open push button switch in either leg of the power to the coil.

Thanks , Mike

[mrmartyman7]

nice video mike

[mrfifer]

Thanks Marty , Hope it was useful !!

Mike

[trackspike64]

are these readily avalable i was at my hobby shop and they did have them

[mrfifer]

trackspike64 you can get them from anyone who carries Kadee Couplers.

We have them.

fiferhobby

Thanks , Mike

[UuTube2]

Excuse me mrfifer,

Can this be adapted for other tracks??

Like Atlas non balasted or Peco?

[mrfifer]

I am sure it could the operation is the same , just some changes in adaptation.

Thanks , Mike

[nwteacher]

Great video Mike. Found it on TWP.

[mrfifer]

Glad you found it and glad to know you found it on The Whistle Stop.

Mike

[HoosierLine]

That's pretty ingenious Mike. The screw length wouldn't even be a problem for anyone using foam as a base. just press the track into place.

[mrfifer]

True! I have yet to install it but will post a comment when I do.

Thanks , Mike

[wushockorient]

Great demonstration. Anybody using these in operating sessions on actual layouts? Curious about how they work long term on layout.. Any hope Kato will ever sell something simliar RTR?

[mrfifer]

Well , I am sorry , I do not know the answer to either question. It seems as though it would be an easy thing for Kato to do if they could strike a deal with Kadee.

Thanks , Mike

[ballparkfrank10]

thats pretty cool! unfortunatly i dont have the unitrack. oh well, thanks for the video!!

[DaBlackNinja1]

That's very cool!

[railfanfromiantha]

Very cool! I'll have to keep those in mind for my layout.