AUTO UNCOUPLERS

[Clive]

It is the end of a branch line with a reversing loop for the loc to back up and head from whence it came. A sprung auto uncoupler should detatch the train from the loco and give me a hands off operation. NO! The uncoupler seldom works. Have modified the coupling eye by taking off the 'ridge', put a stronger (minimal) spring on the coupling and one ot two other minor alterations. Result - intermittant success at scale crawling speed. ANY HELPFUL HINTS, ADVICE, TIPS on how to improve matters PLEASE. the passing loops are on a slight curve at the uncoupling end, so I know this won't help BUT space is extremely limited.
THANKS

 

[pugwash]

Only one hook! Either the truck or loco has a hook, the other only the loop. LGB even say that for their electric uncouplers a mechanical uncoupler will have to be placed next to it if both vehicles are hooked. 'Owzat?

 

[Neil Robinson]

A slight gradient at the critical point may also help. If the train is buffered up when uncoupling the hook(s) will drop easier. However the train will need to be stationary, with the loco moving and a short distance ahead by the time the hook(s) rise again.

 

[Dtsteam]

Some tips :
1) Give the uncoupling ramp spring some more tension. Its a flat piece of spring steel and needs a slight bend in it to force the ramp up.
2) Turn the ramp so that the drop arm hits the steeper part of the ramp.
With the black auto ramps & the black plastic springs I think LGB envisoned some sort of selective uncoupling, which we don't want, so with increasing degrees of desperation...
3) Look around for an early red ramp - they had a coil spring and were designed to compliment the early coupling springs.
4) Turn your trains so the uncoupling hook is on the stock, not the loco. This one sounds stupid, but its my way of making the crappy electric ramps more reliable with a variety of american stock, so it might work for the auto's at a pinch.

Tip 1 is the killer - my last railway was completely hands off with 11 sprung points and five ramps so they had to work. If you get nowhere at all, then PM me and I'll send you one of my modified auto's. It's certainly worth persevering with.

 

[Gizzy]

I use a 2 LGB uncouplers butted up together at my terminus station Sheringham, because I do have hooks on both ends of my rolling stock.

This is due to having a couple of reversal chords on my layout.

These work reasonably well enough, but sometimes, usually if I'm filming, they don't always work properly!

You can see how I've done this here....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGSD45IraEU

 

[Clive]

Thanks - Great advice as ever . Will report back.

 

[UKSGR]

Is there any other system for automatic uncoupling@

 

[adeshers]

Is there any other system for automatic uncoupling@

Have a look at this http://www.modell-werkstatt.de/lokomotiven/automatische-kupplung-bausatz.html

I don't know how or if it works.

 

[Madman]

I've seen some Youtube videos of that coupler or one very similar. It probably needs a solenoid to pull the lever. The solenoid is most likely radio controlled.

 

[UKSGR]

Is there any other system for automatic uncoupling@

Have a look at this http://www.modell-werkstatt.de/lokomotiven/automatische-kupplung-bausatz.html

I don't know how or if it works.

That looks interesting. I know no German but the word "servo" is in there and that would be a way of working the couplers. Just need a (cheap) DCC single channel servo drive for each loco/coach/wagon.

 

[dunnyrail]

Try looking at the device in "Explore the World of LGB" the Hardback one. On P175 there are details of LGB 64540 Switching Coupler Set. This looks to be very interesting, though not sure how availability of it and the different "Penolum Coupler Hook" is.
JonD

 

[dunnyrail]

Is there any other system for automatic uncoupling@

Have a look at this http://www.modell-werkstatt.de/lokomotiven/automatische-kupplung-bausatz.html

I don't know how or if it works.

I was sort of interested in this beastie so did a Google Translate on it. This is what came out:-

The kit version includes all the necessary parts without the original LGB coupling.
The building description is clear, the assembly easy.
These can be shared and then easily against a normal Hake / eye coupling eg by servo or electric motor can be controlled through a digital decoder and some features as follows:
- Disconnection of single and double hook
- The coupling hook is tilted sideways, so a possible decoupling of the curve
- Control possible using a standard servo
- Clutch in disengaged position may remain indefinitely
- E.g. for coasting on Abrollberg

DBGM www.FERTIG-Modellbahnen.de (D) 2004

Matching decoders are e.g. Massoth eMotion 8FL (8-function decoder with 2 servo outputs), Massoth eMotion L (1,9 A locomotive decoder with a power output), just as there are from 69 or Zimo Zimo MX MX 82

I recommend for example a servo the No. FS 61 BB Carbon Company Seal
JonD