RDS Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 In order to get the best from my layout, I need to be able to couple and un-couple wagons and coaches automatically and I don't want to be limited by having to do this on the same stretches of track each time.I would like to be able to use a function on the Loco decoder to achieve this.Are there any mechanisms available that will achieve this, at a reasonable cost. I am only interested in adding the feature to selected Loco's and I am happy for the wagons and coaches to remain in the same configuration (i.e. not split).In fact maybe this is something that Hornby would like to consider for future DCC models. Personally, I would rather have this feature than sound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Alex Jackson (AJ) DCC couplings could be what you're looking for. Only for the loco of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2e0dtoeric Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 There is a system I've seen advertized, it involves fitting a solenoid (and a chip, if there isn't one) to the item, and on command, the solenoid pulls a little crank, which lifts a tension-lock hook - to release the coupling.It means a bit of surgery on the item the solenoid is fitted to - to provide a slot for the little crank to move in.This only works if the opposing tension-lock hook has been removed, of course! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 There's the Keen system of course, where the loop drops.There are other systems that use memory wire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share Posted January 14, 2015 Alex Jackson (AJ) DCC couplings could be what you're looking for. Only for the loco of course.Thanks for that. It looks very delicate though. I was hoping for something more like the existing system but with a (very) miniature solenoid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ_model_trains Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 Hi RDSThere are a few ideas on herehttp://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/81945-uncoupler-dcc-00-gauge/Keens and home madePJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ_model_trains Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 This is the Keen systemhttp://www.keen-systems.com/Couplings.htmlI don't think I am doing anything wrong here, Hornby don't sell these itemsPJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share Posted January 14, 2015 Hi RDS, There are a few ideas on hereHi PJThanks, I really like the Krois option.I wish Hornby would do something like it as I think it would be very popular and an obvious next step. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share Posted January 14, 2015 Hi RDS, There are a few ideas on hereHi PJThanks, I really like the Krois option.I wish Hornby would do something like it as I think it would be very popular and an obvious next step. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ_model_trains Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 Hi RDS I discuss all sorts of things here and there to get my ideas together. But, have no plans for this yet, the main think is I am aware of it and once the layout comes together then I can look at these sort of refinements. Meanwhile I watch to see if any further ideas come up that I may wish to consider. Let me know if you proceed with this please. Hornby have to much going on at present but, once RM is raised and Loco Detection launched, tried, tested and brought to the level they want, and we wouldlike. Then maybe they could look at these sort of things, I would doubt it before then, just my thoughts. The Krois is my favourite from what I have seen so far ;o) PJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsclass87 Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 Hi RDS I discuss all sorts of things here and there to get my ideas together. But, have no plans for this yet, the main think is I am aware of it and once the layout comes together then I can look at these sort of refinements. Meanwhile I watch to see if any further ideas come up that I may wish to consider. Let me know if you proceed with this please. Hornby have to much going on at present but, once RM is raised and Loco Detection launched, tried, tested and brought to the level they want, and we wouldlike. Then maybe they could look at these sort of things, I would doubt it before then, just my thoughts. The Krois is my favourite from what I have seen so far ;o) PJ hi,I have fitted krois couplings to both locos and of late to a couple of wagons.an example of one my wagons can be viewed on you tube on dcc train automations channel.regardstsclass87 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny H Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 This might work using a solenoid rather than a permanent magnet. The Krios is so elegant though http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=11333.0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share Posted January 14, 2015 hi, I have fitted krois couplings to both locos and of late to a couple of wagons.an example of one my wagons can be viewed on you tube on dcc train automations channel.I am interested in looking at this but what do you mean, utube dcc train automations channel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 RDS, go to Youtube and search DCC Train Automation. Aw look, it's easier to give you the link to the coupling bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ_model_trains Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Hi tsclass87Feel free to add the YouTube link it is not against forum rulesPJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ_model_trains Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Hi RDSI wasn't sure and guessed others may be scratching their heads.I have asked the guy to add the YouTube linkPJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ_model_trains Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 This might work using a solenoid rather than a permanent magnet. The Krios is so elegant though http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=11333.0Another interesting alternative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 15, 2015 Author Share Posted January 15, 2015 Aw look, it's easier to give you the link to the coupling bit.Thanks poliss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 15, 2015 Author Share Posted January 15, 2015 Another interesting alternative.Hi PJ, Thanks but that is not what I want because I do not want to be restricted to specific parts of the layout for un-coupling.(It would be like going back to DC and having to control the Track instead of the Loco)The Krois system is the one that interests me but I am not sure which of their models to go for as their website is not particularly clear about the differences, apart from the height adjustable version. I just want to be able to fit it to my shunters. Also, does it connect to an existing Hornby system (I realise that I will have to take the dropper off the first wagon) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ_model_trains Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Another interesting alternative.Hi PJ, Thanks but that is not what I want because I do not want to be restricted to specific parts of the layout for un-coupling.(It would be like going back to DC and having to control the Track instead of the Loco)The Krois system is the one that interests me but I am not sure which of their models to go for as their website is not particularly clear about the differences, apart from the height adjustable version. I just want to be able to fit it to my shunters. Also, does it connect to an existing Hornby system (I realise that I will have to take the dropper off the first wagon) Hi RDSI am happy to look at all systems but, I agree with you the Krois system is my favourite so far.PJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 15, 2015 Author Share Posted January 15, 2015 I have fitted krois couplings to both locos and of late to a couple of wagons. Hi tsclass87Thanks, I have now viewed your utube clip with help from poliss who provided the link . I am only considering fitting it to my Shunters at present. I will go for the height adjustable version of the Krois. I realise that I will have to remove the dropper (apologies if that is the incorrect name) from the first wagon.Can you confirm that it interfaces with the standard Hornby / Bachmann couplings (not sure what correct name is) and that one of the range appears to have the 'dovetail' type connector to fix it to the Loco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsclass87 Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 ghhi hi I have fitted krois couplings to both locos and of late to a couple of wagons. Hi tsclass87Thanks, I have now viewed your utube clip with help from poliss who provided the link . I am only considering fitting it to my Shunters at present. I will go for the height adjustable version of the Krois. I realise that I will have to remove the dropper (apologies if that is the incorrect name) from the first wagon.Can you confirm that it interfaces with the standard Hornby / Bachmann couplings (not sure what correct name is) and that one of the range appears to have the 'dovetail' type connector to fix it to the Loco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsclass87 Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 hi rds,yes you can use then with standard couplings. watch out for height variations between locos and stock.i have started to change wagons rather than locos personally because i believe it is better especially since i do not want to mess around with sound locomotives. i then try to choose a coupling to fit to the loco ie straight or cranked etc.please note you need a decoder which is designed to work the coupling, another reason to equip the wagon rather than the loco.please note as per the video, there is a max time out forthe operation of the coupling ( set at 4 seconds on my couplig decoders) which is important or else you will burn out the coupling I have been advised. also you will notice that there are different types of couplings which required replacemnt couplings.on the companies web site there is another coupling system but this is more restrictive but gives more operational satisfaction, this is advertised as t4t.hope this helpsts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 15, 2015 Author Share Posted January 15, 2015 yes you can use then with standard couplings. watch out for height variations between locos and stock ...Thank you - very helpful. My wagons and Coaches though have plastic wheels and no wheel contacts so I imagine a fair bit of work is required to add metal wheels and then wheel contacts (Is brass available somewhere that thin?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ_model_trains Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Hi tsclass87Your message is very helpful and informative. I will not be ready for some time yet but this system really does appear to be the best I have seen.PJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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