Uncoupling

[EtchedPixels]

Rapido couplers are slightly slack and sprung. If you are using or making mechanical raised arm uncouplers then the trick is to shape the slot in them so its wide at each end and narrow in the middle. The uncoupling prong will slide into the uncoupler groove just fine then.

(Or take a look at the Fleischmann electrical one and its pictures and copy the shape and positioning of the ramp)

[mojo]

Thanks for all the input to my question.
After a few experiments it has dawned on me that fixed ramps will not work due to clearances under the loco chassis plates!
I may now have a look at a cam operated ramp controlled by hand using a thin metal wire.
Alan, I have an old Fleischmann catalogue but the detail of the uncoupling track is not good so I shall have a look at one at my local model shop.
Thanks again guys.
Maurice C.

[greenlaneman]

Electro magnet and Rapido fitted with Peco coupler lift arm?

[d-a-n]

Electro magnet and Rapido fitted with Peco coupler lift arm?

Are they the little plates of metal which you glue to the coupler? I've tried these http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_details.asp?code=PENR-103&style=&strType=&Mcode=Peco%20NR-103 with a Kato track section with magnet (like the dapol magnets but built in by Kato) and Rapidos and they don't work.

[EtchedPixels]

The Kato track magnets are for buckeye style couplers and deflect sideways not up/down - it indeed won't work

[mojo]

Electro magnet and Rapido fitted with Peco coupler lift arm?

That should certainly work as I saw sometime ago a shunting layout using this system which was very impressive.
As I recall, t did not allow for movement of wagons after uncoupling but in my case this would not be required - just uncouple the loco and move away.
Maurice C.