MTLuncoupler question

I am just planning a new layout and wonder about MTL uncouplers: they offer only permanent magnets. These are probably fine for switching sections, but for run-through tracks I would prefer something like coil-operated uncouplers. Is there anything similar available??
Thanks for any help, Christoph

 

I just saw your post on and as none of the experts have helped you on your problem after a week, here's what little I know on the subject.

I saw under the table mountable electromagnetic uncouplers for sale on ebay recently. In fact I was going to try and get them and missed putting in a bid. I think they are a great idea. They would be operated by a miniature momentary pushbutton switch that you would buy seperately.

You may be able to find them in the Walthers Cat.

I hope that helps a little.

If any more show up on ebay we may be bidding against each other.

Gary

 

Welcome to the forum, Christoph!

I use MTL couplers and don't use any magnets. I use a Pix Stick and uncouple manually. It's very easy to do.

 

Instead of a 'RIX-PIC' I use a Micky D's coffee stick that I've trimed down to a wedge. On the electric coil from MT (it was a while ago) but for N-Scale use it was just as simple as turning around the metal end plates on the coil so that they would fit between the N-scale rails. I don't know what the coil currently looks like though.

 

I seem to recall an article in N-Scale magazine on building an electric uncoupler for MTL couplers. From the on-line magazine index, it looks like it was 1999 in the July/August or September/October issue.

Hope this is helpful.

 

Thank you for the welcome and the replies. I think I I will try the RIX uncoupler, but mainly as a back-up solution.
I checked the MTL website but could not find any electromagnetic device. I think I should check at Kadee's website for the H0 version.

I'll keep you informed about my progress (hope there will be any

Have a good weekend, Christoph

 

Christoph, Check out the Kadee electromagnetic uncoupler. Kadee and Microtrains used to be the same company run by two brothers. They split up the business years ago and for some reason Kadee ended up with the electromagnetic uncouplers. They should work fine. Frank Campagna

 

I don't think that MT makes an electric (magnetic ) uncoupler anymore. I have a couple of them on my layout, but I have built 3 of my own homemade type. They work fine, just remember that they draw a lot of power. You cannot use the uncoupler for very long, just a few seconds, and that is all.
I built mine from plans in MODEL RAILROADER Magazine several years ago. The instant on/off feature is what I like.
Check several different magazines for the plans for the uncouplers, I cannot remember where I got the plans.

 

I knew a guy that made an uncoupling magnet for one of his Ntrak modules. It consisted of the MTL permanent magnet mounted to a hinged bracket. He then connected it in such a way that when he pulled a knob the uncoupling magnet swung up into position. He uncoupled the cars and pushed in the knob to swing the magnet back out of the way. Now he had an uncoupling ramp that only uncoupled when he wanted. It worked pretty good from what I remember (about 8 years ago).

 

I twill at least check my old copies of Model Railroader (since 1983 ) for the homebuilt version. Sounds interesting.
Some days ago I sent the question about using the Kadee H0n3 electro magnetic uncoupler to my lgerman MTL mail order dealer, but got no reply so far. Probably I will order one or two and have my own testing.

Take care, Christoph