Magnetic Uncoupling For Bachmann Couplings

[Brian Kirby]

Hi Everyone,
Here's my method of automating Bachmann Blue Riband couplings, hope it may be of interest.
Basically, it uses re-shaped steel office staples and pairs of magnets buried under the track. The staple tails are attracted down by the magnets, causing the hooks to rise, but only when the hooks are unlocked (i.e. slack). By all means try the idea yourself.
Cheers, Brian.

Two vans coupled to the left, buried magnets located as shown. Two spare magnets in front to show size.

The two vans coupled in tension over the magnets, remain coupled.

The train reverses slightly, unlocking the couplings, the hooks rise.

One van is drawn away to the left.

To recouple, the vans are pushed backwards over and away from the magnets, they recouple.

Plain ballasted track, magnets not visible.

[trains!]

Saw this on rmweb, good job. I might try it for some of my stock, and if i like it use it.

[pete12345]

now there's an idea I may try this- looks so much better than those awful uncoupling ramps. Just have to remember where you put the magnets lol. Maybe a strategically placed railway worker or something...

[Brian Kirby]

Hi Chaps,
Yes you could put in some subtle markers to show where the magnets are positioned. If you are not using sound chips in your locos and your layout room is quiet enough, you can hear the couplings click as they unlock. Failing that, just watch the couplings carefully, to see the hooks rise.
You could add more magnets to the original pair (rotate the new magnet/s until it sticks to the originals), to increase the "uncoupling area", but bear in mind that you will have to push wagons further back to recouple (i.e. clear of the magnets).
Cheers, Brian.

[alfred.edes]

Hi Everyone
What a brilliant idea!!!!
have tried it on the Hornby couplings and it works good, the only thing is what size are the magnets you are using, as mine are the ones that are used in the sprat & winkle fit up. and also the fitting of the paper clip I have stuck mine with super glue,if there is another way I would be very interested.
Thanks Alf

[Brian Kirby]

Hi Alf,
Apologies for not replying sooner. The magnets that i use (and appear in the photos) are from magnetic door catches, as used on kitchen cabinets, etc. I obtain mine from Screwfix, Part.No. 14897, and are sold as White 32mm Magnetic Catches. They're quite cheap, about £2 for ten, which of course will create five uncoupling positions. The magnets have to be extracted from their plastic bodies, it's a bit like shelling cockles !
Not paper clips Alf, they're too hard and stiff, use steel office staples, crimp and superglue.
Cheers, Brian.

[Essex2Visuvesi]

I guess there is no reason why electro magnets could not be used instead of regular ones

[Brian Kirby]

Yes Essex2,
You could use electro-magnets, but is it worth it ? Extra expense, extra work fitting all those buttons and wiring. You'd have to wire-up the electromagnets to work in unison and you'd have to press a button everytime. The only advantage is it would avoid accidental uncoupling, but then that can be avoided anyway by a bit of fine tuning and getting the coupling bar height right.
Cheers, Brian.

[Essex2Visuvesi]

Yes Essex2,
You could use electro-magnets, but is it worth it ? Extra expense, extra work fitting all those buttons and wiring. You'd have to wire-up the electromagnets to work in unison and you'd have to press a button everytime. The only advantage is it would avoid accidental uncoupling, but then that can be avoided anyway by a bit of fine tuning and getting the coupling bar height right.
Cheers, Brian.

I never looked at it that way. I find it hard to stick to the old adage "keep it simple" I always want a control panel that looks like something from the starship enterprise

[Graymee]

Brian, you are a genius!

I just did a quick search to see if i could find any info on the "Kaddee" (I think thats right,) couplings as they seem to be all the rage on the exhibition layouts and i stumbled accross this!

Much cheaper than the Kaddee ones, no electromagnets to mess around with, no fiddling around changing all coulings on rolling stock, FANFLIPPINTASTIC

I've tried using an uncoupling ramp but it's just hit n miss as to when it works or doesn't, can't be doing with a pokey stickey inny thingy.
Off to screwfix it is then!

Cheers

Graeme

[Brian Kirby]

Glad you like it Graeme,
Let us know how you get on. Fitting the bent-up staples is fiddly, but gets easy with practice.
Cheers, Brian.

[m mcdermott]

brilliant idea give that man a gong ,now my track is laid and ballested wanted magnets for under 9mm ply . ideas please anybody billy

[Rammy]

This looks a great idea Brian. Nice and simple - just the way I like it.
I am sure to give this a go when I get round to my sidings.

Dave

[Brian Kirby]

Hi Billy,
Since your track is already laid and ballasted, you could try cutting out the centre of the sleepers and digging out a hole long enough for the pair of magnets, then replace the sleepers and re-ballast. It will be a bit tricky and you'll have to make sure the track stays in gauge.
Cheers, Brian.

[Essex2Visuvesi]

brilliant idea give that man a gong ,now my track is laid and ballested wanted magnets for under 9mm ply . ideas please anybody billy

Can you not carefully drill holes in the underside