Hello All,
I have finally been able to work on the hidden uncoupling tracks from GRJ's excellent 2017 post (https://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=120914) and need some help.
At train shows over the past few months I've bought several old uncoupling tracks, taken them apart, put in .25 inch steel rod cut to come to rail height, made temporary electrical connections (with a push button), but cannot uncouple any cars. The coils all energize, there is a magnetic field (verified very unscientifically by holding a screwdriver blade over the steel rod) but no uncoupling action. I've tried with both postwar and modern freight cars.
Does anyone have any ideas on what I should try next? I've tried 4 different coils; could it be that all 4 coils are weak? Is there any way to test them that might point out their weakness or some other problem?
Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Bob
I have finally been able to work on the hidden uncoupling tracks from GRJ's excellent 2017 post (https://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=120914) and need some help.
At train shows over the past few months I've bought several old uncoupling tracks, taken them apart, put in .25 inch steel rod cut to come to rail height, made temporary electrical connections (with a push button), but cannot uncouple any cars. The coils all energize, there is a magnetic field (verified very unscientifically by holding a screwdriver blade over the steel rod) but no uncoupling action. I've tried with both postwar and modern freight cars.
Does anyone have any ideas on what I should try next? I've tried 4 different coils; could it be that all 4 coils are weak? Is there any way to test them that might point out their weakness or some other problem?
Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Bob