Automatic N gauge uncoupling help

The Arnold coupler (the big square plastic block fitted to UK N outline stock) isn't a lot of use for automatic operation. It can be worked remotely in a fixed place, but seems to need a fairly chunky bit of plastic in the running line for this to work. I think Peco used to sell a ramp which could be raised and lowered by rotating a piece of rod - I had some 20-odd years ago.

Automatic couplers for N come in a number of forms. All of these below will allow delayed uncoupling; ie. push the train over the uncoupler and it remains uncoupled. Thus one can propel wagons to required destinations and leave them.

Out of the box: Microtrains (also called Kadee, though that is the name of the HO version). These are American buckeye form. They can be worked by either a fixed or electromagnet under the track. If you select the right type (there are numerous variants of coupler), they can be fitted under UK N stock (though you may have to cut off the old coupler pocket). Fitting them to UK locos might be more of a challenge, possibly requiring filing of some metal from the end of the chassis, though should be quite straightforward. The magnetic operation requires two poles at either side of the track (eg. North to the left, South to the right). The standard Microtrains N fixed magnets are designed to glue above the sleepers (and look a bit hideous). One can work the N couplers with the O-gauge Kadee magnets below the track (cut a hole in the baseboard, cover with card, then lay track over the card). Alternatively, one can fit suitably shaped electromagnets which have the poles arranged to be each side of the track (Microtrains sell them at a quite high price, and I've seen articles on making your own).

Make up your own from kits: DG and BB. These two are interworkable. They have a small loop which is pulled by a simple electromagnet (one coil of a solenoid with a fixed rod up through the track to just below sleeper top). They don't work with fixed magnets (as they will uncouple when pulled over the magnet). The BB are slightly easier to assemble as they don't need soldering and come ready blacked, but they are a little bigger and probably harder to fit to locomotives. Some owners only fit the operating loop to one end of their stock, thus saving time on assembly and reducing the problems caused by inaccurate assembly of the loops, but one cannot turn stock around.

Pictures of the DG are here, including assembly tips:

And the BB are here pictured here (though missing winding some ferrous wire around the bottom of the dropper): DG and BB are available from a few specialist N gauge traders. DG are also available from the maker (I have the address somewhere) and also the 2mm Scale Association. Not sure if the maker of BB still deals direct, its some time since I had contact with him.

You might find it easier to only fit the magnetic couplers to some of the stock, and leave the remainder in fixed rakes (or for even better appearance, remove the huge fat N block coupler from the fixed rakes and use something smaller, such as some bent blackened wire).

- Nigel

There are few available from etched brass to Kedee Even a bent track pin has been known to work. The better are delayed action there is a link in the above or below post to the N Gauge soc. who no doubt have such items in their shop same with 2mm Soc