Uncoupling Problem

[Artisan]

Being relatively new to model railways I was hoping someone would have some tips on how to overcome a little problem I have. I have found that when running a loco and rolling stock that on occasions that the rolling stock uncouples from the loco whilst running around the track. The loco and rolling stock can be happily running for say ten minutes or longer and then for no apparent uncouple.  This does not happen all the time but on a fair number of occasions. The track I am using is Kato track and I have had some issues with some of the rails on some sections of track being slightly raised causing a loco to slightly jump at those sections when running. I have overcome that problem by either re-joining the track sections or by gentle filing down the higher rail so I can't blame the uncoupling on when the loco would slightly jump at those sections. I have tried slightly bending the loco coupling to perhaps get a better connection but doesn't make much difference.

I would interested to know if others have had this problem and how they over came it.

[Papyrus]

Sadly, this is a common problem with standard N couplers, especially if using stock from a variety of manufacturers and vintages. There are a number of possible avenues to try up to, and including, changing all your couplings for a different design. Have a look in the Coupling Reviews section for some tips - this thread has some useful ideas: https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=45518.0. A lot of people like the Dapol Easi-shunt couplers but I've not used them myself.

Good luck!

Chris

[Artisan]

Sadly, this is a common problem with standard N couplers, especially if using stock from a variety of manufacturers and vintages. There are a number of possible avenues to try up to, and including, changing all your couplings for a different design. Have a look in the Coupling Reviews section for some tips - this thread has some useful ideas: https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=45518.0. A lot of people like the Dapol Easi-shunt couplers but I've not used them myself.

Good luck!

Chris


Hello Chris,

Thank you for your reply to my post and the information. Very grateful.

[jpendle]

I use model aircraft canopy glue on mine, but I am running fixed rakes of stock. This stuff dries clear and can be pulled apart if you need to separate the couplings occasionally

Regards,

John P

[Newportnobby]

A smear of a product called 'Tacky Wax' on the couplings usually helps keep the wagons together.

[ntpntpntp]

One of the great things about N compared to some other other scales was the early the adoption of the Rapido coupling as a standard fitting by the majority of manufacturers, allowing you to mix-and-match.  Unfortunately you do get slight variations in the implementation, but generally stuff stays together.   If you get a particularly troublesome connection try turning one item of stock round 180 degrees, move the item elsewhere in the train, or apply a tiny blob of Tacky Wax or Copydex.

Oh and I would NOT advise filing the rail ends at joints on Unitrack.  The problem is Unijoiners are a little more loose than the fishplates used with say Peco track. It's part of the price you pay for a handy easy-to-connect system. I notice the odd bumpy joint when I use my Unitrack oval for a temporary test track.  Rather than causing permanent damage by filing, try and ensure the track sections are completely flat on the board surface.

[Railwaygun]

One of the great things about N compared to some other other scales was the early the adoption of the Rapido coupling as a standard fitting by the majority of manufacturers, allowing you to mix-and-match.  Unfortunately you do get slight variations in the implementation, but generally stuff stays together.   If you get a particularly troublesome connection try turning one item of stock round 180 degrees, move the item elsewhere in the train, or apply a tiny blob of Tacky Wax or Copydex.

Oh and I would NOT advise filing the rail ends at joints on Unitrack.  The problem is Unijoiners are a little more loose than the fishplates used with say Peco track. It's part of the price you pay for a handy easy-to-connect system. I notice the odd bumpy joint when I use my Unitrack oval for a temporary test track.  Rather than causing permanent damage by filing, try and ensure the track sections are completely flat on the board surface.

sometimes a unijoiner has one rail standing a fraction proud of the joint - downward pressure with a small screwdriver on the offending rail usually sorts this out - now proud but defeated!

and I often give the fishplate a small squeeze with a pair of needle nosed pliers( when connected to both rails) to tighten up a dodgy joint.