Pseudo Duo Loco

[Madman]

I`ve always liked the LGB Duo automatic uncoupling loco. As a matter of fact, I had one before I converted to battery power. It was sold to help finance the battery power conversion of my railway. I didn`t think it would work on battery power anyway. Last year I cobbled together my own version using some simple R/C components and a mini gear motor. It works rather well, some of the time, but requires LGB constant uncouplers in the track. Here`s a video of it in action.

https://youtu.be/ItI9VgKGpcU


Recently, I acquired an LGB Duo uncoupling mechanism off Ebay for $30.00. It arrived a couple of days ago and having some free days I took advantage of the time and had at it. Here are some photos showing the modification to the 2090 loco. Also a video of it in action today.


https://youtu.be/UXT1PkJg4LQ

 

[ge_rik]

Intriguing, Dan. How does it release both hooks? That's the really clever bit.

Rik

 

[PhilP]

Intriguing, Dan. How does it release both hooks? That's the really clever bit.

Rik

I wondered that as well.. Perhaps there is a spur on the side of the hook?? ???

 

[CoggesRailway]

Thats really good. What is the controller you are using, be interested to hear more on the detail of this. However i am suprised how disinterested the ticket guy was in the whole thing.

 

[PhilP]

Thats really good. What is the controller you are using, be interested to hear more on the detail of this. However i am suprised how disinterested the ticket guy was in the whole thing.

I think he had other things on his mind!

 

[Madman]

The Duo mechanism's "Loop" is configured in two sections. If you were to view the loop from the side you would see that it is split into a top and bottom section. The bottom section moves outward when the hook moves downward. This creates a downward slope on the inside face of the loop, thus the hook on the freight car slips away, as it has nothing to grab. I will take some photos of it and post them.


The controller, last picture, was purchased off Ebay some time ago. This particular receiver has six relays. I only needed one of them to operate the uncoupling mechanism. I didn't feel like spending more money on another single channel controller at this time. That said, I can use one or more of the remaining channels to operate things like lights on the loco. For now I will keep it simple. But that probably won't last long.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12v-relay-6CH-wireless-RF-Remote-Control-Switch-Transmitter-Receiver-Lamp-/201095516676?hash=item2ed23a1204

The ticket guy was rushing to answer his phone in the shed. It was SWMBO calling, telling him to stop playing with his train...... :

 

[Madman]

Some photos, close up, of the Duo coupler. Lighting is not the best, but the last photo is from the 1993/94 catalog giving details of the workings. In this photo, you can see the bottom half of the coupler moves outward. As it does, it create the downward sloping ramp I mentioned in my earlier description.

 

[dunnyrail]

Funny I looked at the Vid a Couple of times and all the pics. It still did not make sence, then I looked more closely at the final LGB drawing and the lightbulb came on. I reckon that this would work without the Hook on the Loco, unless the Construction is all tied up.
JonD

 

[Madman]

Funny I looked at the Vid a Couple of times and all the pics. It still did not make sence, then I looked more closely at the final LGB drawing and the lightbulb came on. I reckon that this would work without the Hook on the Loco, unless the Construction is all tied up.
JonD

It takes more time for some of us to "Get it", me included. Yes, i believe it would work without the hook. But that's the beauty of this coupler. I have hooks on both ends of all of my rolling stock. It keeps them coupled more reliably.