Opinion: HO manual uncoupling or automatic uncoupling track?

v_z_gK_Z_289333312 Nov 19, 2018

?

How do you prefer to uncouple in HO?

  1. Manually (including handheld uncoupling tools)

    12 vote(s)
    70.6%
  2. Using fixed magnets on the track

    2 vote(s)
    11.8%
  3. Using electro magnets on the track (activated remotely)

    2 vote(s)
    11.8%
  4. Using some sort of non-magnetic physical uncoupler track section

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  5. Other

    1 vote(s)
    5.9%
  1. v_z_gK_Z_289333312

    v_z_gK_Z_289333312 TrainBoard Member

    128
    59
    8
    What do you all think? What is your preferred method of uncoupling in HO?
     
  2. JimJ

    JimJ Staff Member

    1,574
    2,271
    51
    I use a bamboo skewer. I like the “hands on” approach and I can easily reach everywhere on my modest layout.
     
    fordy744 and v_z_gK_Z_289333312 like this.
  3. astrotrain

    astrotrain TrainBoard Member

    70
    73
    14
    I use to use the magnets but i find the bamboo skewer the most fun.
     
    fordy744 and v_z_gK_Z_289333312 like this.
  4. v_z_gK_Z_289333312

    v_z_gK_Z_289333312 TrainBoard Member

    128
    59
    8
    I'm still deciding what I'll do in my switching yard. But I will say manual uncoupling has a few practical advantages: 1) cheaper, 2) your yard can take up less space.
     
  5. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

    1,540
    2,131
    46
    I like manual uncoupling because it gives you the freedom to build your train anywhere. What if you wanted to cut the train to switch some cars on a branch, but the place you want to leave your train has no magnet? There are infinite locations to uncouple manually, but you have to build operating sessions around uncoupling magnets if you have them. Real railroads can uncouple wherever (just in a safe location), so why shouldn’t you? You can have uncoupling magnets in certain hard to reach places, but the number of magnets you would need to get rid of manual operation altogether is probably pretty high.
     
  6. WM183

    WM183 TrainBoard Member

    601
    597
    17
    Manual, all the way.
     
  7. fordy744

    fordy744 TrainBoard Member

    309
    304
    21
    Another for the bamboo Skewer here!
     
  8. v_z_gK_Z_289333312

    v_z_gK_Z_289333312 TrainBoard Member

    128
    59
    8
    Do ya'll sand your skewer down? I'm using a sanded-down chopstick. Does the skewer already come to a point without sanding?
     
  9. JimJ

    JimJ Staff Member

    1,574
    2,271
    51
    Yes, they are already sharp on one end. Very convenient.
     
  10. Milne

    Milne TrainBoard Supporter

    339
    8
    20
    Most of the layouts in our "club" use bamboo beverage Skewers. Except for cries of "we need the drink to go with these" complaints, we try to operate prototypical. For example, when a train comes out of a siding and the switch needs to be thrown, the tail end of the train is stopped so the rear end brakeman can detain from the van and throw the switch, then clamour back on board. The N scale layouts use fixed magnets on most of the main yard tracks, but N scalers are special.;)
     
    AustinsTrains2001 likes this.

Share This Page