I'm having a part time problem with Kadee's uncoupling at bottom of down grade. Anyone have suggestions to remedy this? The transition from downhill to level is gradual.
Clem
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Verify that the coupler knuckle springs and centering springs are in place and working properly on each coupler. Verify that the trip pins are at the correct height. Verify that your track is properly aligned. The instructions included with the couplers (available online too) show how to limit the amount of coupler slack/runout. Review the Mounting section in the instructions.
It is VERY important that ALL your Kadee couplers be mounted and aligned per the Kadee Coupler Gauge. Many of us in the Independent Hi-Railers, Midwest Division modular layout group, have long trains, all equipped with Kadee couplers. You simply can NOT operate on a more uneven track surface than a LARGE modular layout, yet we really don't encounter uncoupling issues with Kadee couplers, even on 21" long passenger cars.
I do have and use the Kadee gauge on all installs, everything works good on all the tracks except the level track at the bottom of grade, 4 feet of straight then a 120 DIA. left and curve with Ross curved turnout. The curve is super elevated. Didn't have any issues until I put over twenty cars on, mostly older Weaver. Thanks for mentioning the 21 inch cars I will be doing those also. Seems like I need car brakes to keep couplers tight. Or maybe more weight. I'll try again with some Atlas cars I have with Kadees.
Clem
One more thing always happens in middle of the train but not always the same car's
What kind of track/turnouts are you running on? Every now and then on the club layout, a low trip pin hits a high center rail and uncouples a car (keep in mind that the trip pin is supposed to sit 1/16" above railhead). When this happens, it pushes the pin outward and uncouples the car.
Well I think I have the problem solved, Had two bad couplers, One was missing the small knuckle spring (#805) and the other was a #740 that did not want to self center. Did not notice the #740 until I put a heavy good rolling car on the rear of train. I guess the extra weight pushed the knuckle over to the side more in the curve and then it stuck there where I could see it. With the light weight cars the knuckle would self center after about a second. Must be a small burr in there.
Thank you everyone for the help
Clem
