I apologize if this is a rather basic question. I am just getting back in the hobby and am looking to experiment with a smaller layout before tackling a room sized one. My question (s) have to do with using magnetic couplers that allow you to uncouple train parts without "hands on." Can anyone relate how well (reliably) these work? Can these uncouplers be wired? By that I mean can they be on only when I want, rather than constant on and if the train accidently stops over one I have a problem? Could you see setting up a computer routine via a DCC system where by a switcher in one yard assembles a train, a loco takes over and takes it to another yard, and then a switcher disasembles it? (This might be part of a three or four step evolution.) Side note, my goal is to have several operations runing simultainious. I'd also like to automate a main line that has a grade that will need a helper engine consist. My reason for asking these "basic" or "newbie" kinds of questions is to make sure I can actually model this without a human in the loop all the time. I plan to run "special" trains "humanly" around the rest of these "regular" operations. That to me is a great way of getting a total experience... it'll take some doing, but I'll have the time and hopfully continuing interest. Thanks in advance, John
If you are thinking of using 'standard' equipment like Kadee couplers, then to be honest, I think it will be pretty tough. It's not impossible, but I think getting it to work at a reasonable level of reliability could turn into a NASA project. In principle it's easy - pack load of fuel and oxygen in a tube, point at the sky, ignite I'm thinking you need to a) ensure couplers are positioned over magnet, b) ensure there is some slack there. The train control to do this is going to be tricky - it's not all that easy doing it manually when the coupler to be cut is more than a few cars from the engine. I think you will need a lot of detection stuff to position the trains. Operating the magnet is the easy bit. You say you are newly back, so if you haven't actually played with magnetic couplings I strongly recommend you first set up a test track with a permanent magnet and play with an engine and some cars to see how it all works in reality.
Yes, well in actuality I was never in really. I bought a bunch of stuff in 98/99 and almost all of it is sitting in pretty boxes and packed away. I had good intentions but bad social skills and ended up in a one bedroom apt. The only layout I ever operated was an 0-27 4x8 when I was a kid (60s.) But now I'm getting a large area to hobby in and am trying to do some preliminary planning. So while I have big dreams, my current plan is to start with a reasonably sized but managable layout like a 4 X 16 (4 X 4 on both ends but on 30" wide in between the ends) and get to work simulating some of this stuff. If the auto uncoupling idea it isn't possible (no one else has done it) then I will probably do a work around. Like having staging yards at both ends with a couple of consists in each and just moving the trains on a schedule. That part is doable at least.
JonP, I have been told that I have bad social skills too and like you ended up in a one bedroom apartment for a while. I had to liquidate all my stuff after my busted social experiment and it got alot more expensive when I had to rebuy it all! My railroad is going once again bigger and better. Best of luck with yours.
