My original plan was to add a small switching layout to my 4x10x6 "L" shaped layout but I realized that I won't have enough room for the town I am constructing. So I am going to build a 3 foot bridge to another 4x8 layout in my den, dedcicated to switching. On that I will have an oval the length and width of the board with 042 curves, using the 027/042 track. Inside that layout I can fit 10 switches, which will all be lefthand. Question is: Do I need a uncoupler fro every switch? What are the best ways to uncouple the traditional 027 cars? The switches alone are going to be expensive, even if I go with the manual ones. If I need to add a uncoupler for every switch than it is even more. What can I do? Is there any way to make uncouplers?
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I may be able to help you out. I recently bought a fair amount of O-27 and O-42 switches but I have been focusing on Fastrack and Supersnap so I'd be willing to part with it just to recoup some costs and clear the mess out. 27 and 42 curves, straights, switches, an uncoupler, crossovers etc. Some is brand new, never used.
Email is in my profile if interested. Make take a day or so to inventory it.
Frank
I didn't see your email in your profile.
The best way to uncouple traditional cars is probably to push on the little tab alongside the coupler! You only need uncouplers on the tracks you cannot reach easily.
So, I can put just one uncoupler on the beginning of the switching layout? I'm sorry if I sound a little stupid here, I don't know jack about switching and finding any info on the web seems to be non existent. Thanks for the address ftauss.
I did a video a while back on switching 3 rail cars using Kadee couplers and Kadee between the rail magnets. Now I know you are using the 027 couplers and uncoupling track sections but the principle is pretty much the same.
Use one uncoupling track and then shove the cars around where you want them. As long as you don't slam the cars into each other, they won't couple up. Make a nice soft joint, and then shove the car to a stop and pull forward.
You can see how I do it with Kadees, and you can pretty much do it the same with the 027 stuff.
Ok, that's good. I was hoping I could just use one or two un-couplers. This weekend I will start the project!