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I operate a MTH DCS system on a home layout with my grandchildren.  I recently purchased a K-Line 613-2111 smoking caboose.  When I run this caboose over my UCS track, the magnet actvates and uncouples the car. 

Can anyone help with identifying the problem e.g.. UCS is mis wired ( I have the UCS track wired separately from the track).   

Or, Is this a quirk with this caboose because of the two pick-up rollers....if so is there a remedy?

 

Any and all comments/suggestions appreciated.

 

Thanks

Jack1943

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Wow that's good timing.

 

The profile of the center rail roller on the K-Line caboose is such that it is making contact with the center rail and the one control rail that shares it's high side connection with the magnet as the coupler rides over the sweet spot for uncoupling.

 

Substitute a narrower roller assembly, or chamfer the outside edges of the roller to keep it off the operating rail.

One could also rewire the UCS such that the uncoupling magnet is on a separate circuit, rather than sharing a connection with the control rails.

 

When I still used a UCS I wired it so the magnet was separate, and the control rails were not connected unless the "operate" function is activated.

 

The only drawback is that you could no longer uncouple postwar rolling stock that has sliding-shoe coil couplers.

Thank-you all for identifying the problem and offering a solution.  My follow-up question is how to best chamfer the roller?  Have thought about a file or perhaps using a ginder on my dremel?

 

Is it best/necessary to remove the roller to work on it?  If so, how is that best done?

 

Again thank-you for your comments/suggestions.

 

Jack

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