Magnet uncoupler for Arnold/Rapido N-scale couplers

[Anvalo]

 

Hi,

This is an invisible magnet uncoupler for the standard Arnold/Rapido couplers.
I saw the basic idea a few years ago on another model railway forum.
That had the uncouple magnet visible and in fixed position between the tracks but that had some downsides.
This new setup has an uncouple magnet attached to a hinge so it's only active when in upright position.
When the magnet is down there is no change of unwanted uncoupling or wheels getting drawn to the magnet.
The coupler on the locomotive has a tiny round 2x1mm magnet glued under it.
A M3 screw is also glued on the 20x10mm magnet and fitted on the hinge.
This magnet has to push the magnet on the coupler upwards so the right polarity is very important.
The video shows that uncoupling and coupling is very easy and with some practice it should be even possible to couple without moving the very light wagons.
 

 

André

[cteno4]

Simple, ingenious design. A small electromagnet might also do the trick for more remote locations.

 

jeff

[Anvalo]

Hi,

I totally forgot to update this thread.

Already did some tests with an electromagnet but that didn't work like i hoped.

Even when the polarity of the magnet is changed by reversing the positive and negative of the 12v the tiny neodymium magnet under the coupler still wants to go in the direction of the electromagnets steel core.

 

But for remote locations a little servo can also be used.

In this video the servo and the pushbutton are connected to the DCC-EX (Arduino Mega) command station.

I was a bit of a hassle to film this, had to snake through some tripods for the camera and led lights to operate the little pushbutton.