Model Railway Uncouplers - A Complete Guide

In this guide, we're taking a deep dive into the subject of couplings used on model trains and more specifically, uncouplers. There are numerous types of couplings available and all have their pros and cons. Whether you like to stick with the standard couplings supplied by the manufacturer or do your own thing and upgrade to Kaydee or Spratt & Winkle, you're going to need to be able to couple and uncouple your locos and rolling stock. And more often than not, this will involve leaning right over your layout, working at arm's length and invariably struggling!

So what are the options when it comes to uncouplers? Let's find out…

Table Of Contents:

• Model Railway Couplings - Popular Types
• Model Railway Uncoupler types
• Uncoupling Ramps For Model Railways
• Magnetic Model Train Uncouplers
• Electromagnetic uncouplers  & how do they work
• Onboard powered remotely operated couplings
• Make your own uncoupling tool

Model Railway Couplings

Just like real railways, model railway locomotives, and rolling stock also feature couplings. The range and type of couplings used across model railways is vast, with a wide variety of many different types. They include easy-to-use to highly realistic scale versions of those used on real railways. Some modellers even make their own couplings. Before we delve into how uncouplers work, let's take a look at a sample of some popular types of coupling commonly used on model railways.

Tension lock couplings

Kadee Couplings

N - Scale Tension Lock - Rapido/Arnold type

E-Z Mate

Bachmann's own version of Kadee couplings

Hornby Dublo 

Found on older models originally made by Hornby Dublo, this is a half-open knuckle bar-type coupling.

Roco Continental

Found on mainland European models, HO, TT, and also 009 gauge models. Found on some Bachmann OO scale DMU models. This has a lifting loop and a hook.

Screwlink & Threelink 

Scale replica versions of couplings used on real railways.

Sprat & Winkle 

A hook & loop design that modellers retrofit to ready-to-run models/kits.

Bar or Loop type

This is a custom modification in which the modeller retrofits on to the end of a locomotive. Examples are shown by the yellow lines in the image below. This type is used with Sprat & Winkle type couplings or can be used for rolling stock fitted with tension locks to hook onto.

Magnetic

These are retrofitted onto models with NEM coupling pockets as well as models that do not have NEM sockets. Several makes of ready-to-run models are equipped with magnetic couplers.

Hornby HC8040 Scharfenberg uncouplers

A modern image coupler, like its real-life counterpart, couples automatically by simply driving the locomotive/DMU/EMU up to rolling stock fitted with the same coupling. The couplings will auto-engage & lock. They have a lift-up bar on their underside to release the locking mechanism. To uncouple, this is done by driving the train over an uncoupling ramp or manually with a handheld uncoupling tool.

Roco Close Couplings

These are becoming popular here in the UK. They are designed to fit in any item of rolling stock with a NEM coupling pocket. They are supplied in some Hornby coach packs as well as from Roco. These couplings couple up with the built-in hooks locking when pushed together. To uncouple, drive and stop the train over an uncoupling ramp. The ramp pushes up the curved bar on the underside of the coupling and releases the hooks. The train then draws away and uncouples from the stationary wagon or coach.

Model Railway Uncoupler types

Automatic hands-free uncoupling can be achieved using either ramps or magnets mounted on the track. There are also options such as powered lift-up ramps or magnet machines that are operated by the press of a button. However, the rolling stock can only be uncoupled at the location where the ramps or magnets are installed.

For uncoupling anywhere on a layout, a hand-held uncoupling tool can be used. In the past few years, powered couplings on the actual locomotives can be retrofitted. These can be operated by a DCC controller, again anywhere around a layout.

Uncoupling Ramps For Model Railways

Uncoupling ramps, as mentioned earlier, are designed to fit onto the track between the two rails. The basic version, such as the one shown below for OO/HO scale, is manufactured by Hornby and features a ramp that is spring-loaded and permanently in the raised position. 

To uncouple a train equipped with tension lock couplings, drive the train over the ramp and bring it to a stop with the couplings positioned over the ramp.  Next, reverse the train slightly, which will release the tension on the coupling hooks. As a result, the ramp will lift the two hooks up clear of the loop on the couplings. Slowly move the train away from the stationary wagon/coach, leaving the other wagon uncoupled behind. It's important to note that if driving a train over the ramp without stopping, the tension in the couplings will cause the ramp to depress without actually uncoupling the wagons.

Next up is a similar uncoupling ramp design by Peco, again for use with OO/HO scale. Like Hornby's, it operates in the same way but does not have springs and remains fixed in a raised position. You can use it the same way as Hornby's uncoupler, as explained earlier. The Peco uncoupling ramp features an unpainted wooden plank finish.

Another option for OO/HO scale layouts is Hornby's R620 Railer/Uncoupler track. This track section is included in some Hornby Trainsets, but can also be purchased separately. It features a built-in uncoupling ramp that is spring-loaded and uncouples rolling stock the same way as the stand-alone uncoupling ramp. Additionally, it has the added bonus of a re-railer function. 

If you are using the Hornby Dublo knuckle-type coupling, there is a specific version of the uncoupler designed for this type of coupling made by Peco. It's fixed between the rails on the track, as shown in the image below. Unlike the ramp type, it has two curved guides. The train is driven slowly over the uncoupler, which catches the hanging bar of the couplings. This moves & opens both couplings, releasing the hooks & thus uncoupling the wagons, coaches, or locomotives. Once the couplings are open, stop the train and slowly pull drive the train away from the stationary wagon or coach.

The Peco SL-330 uncoupler is designed for uncoupling continental style couplings on OO9 narrow gauge, and also OO/HO scale locomotives/rolling stock fitted with Roco couplings. It features a ramp section that is connected to a lifting arm via a lever mounted on the side of the track. To use it, drive the train and bring it to a stop with the couplings over the uncoupler. Move the trackside lever to raise the uncoupling pad, which in turn lifts and releases the two loops on the couplings. Pull the train away from the stationary rolling to complete the uncoupling. Finally, move the lever back to lower the uncoupler pad.

Homemade uncoupling ramp. Use a plastic or acetate strip. Simply cut a piece of thin plastic or acetate sheet into a strip that fits between the rails. The strip needs to be around a couple of inches long. Secure the ends of the strip to the sleepers (either on top or underneath) so it forms a curved shape just high enough to lift up the coupling hooks. The photo below provides an example of this type of uncoupling ramp.

To use, drive the train over the plastic strip and stop the train ensuring that the couplings are positioned above the strip.  Slightly back up the train to release the tension on the hooks. The curved strip will lift up the coupling hooks to release them. Finally, draw the train away from the stationary wagon or coach to complete the uncoupling.

Magnetic Model Train Uncouplers

For products like Kadee couplings and the similar Bachmann E-Z Couplings, they feature a curved metal bar that hangs below the coupling. This is designed for use with track-mounted magnets. The magnets can be either mounted on top of the sleepers between the rails or mounted under the rails. To uncouple the train as follows:

1. Drive the train over the magnet that is mounted on or in the track.
2. Stop the train with the coupling positioned over the magnet.
3. Reverse the train slightly to release the tension on the coupling hooks.
4. The magnet will then cause the metal bar on the couplings to swing away & release the coupling hook.
5. Drive the train away from the stationary uncoupled wagon or coach.

Kadee offers various track-mounted magnets for uncoupling. One example of this is shown below. Alternatively, you can use suitable magnets of your own choice.

If using tension lock type couplings, they can be converted for use with magnetic uncouplers and also powered electromagnetic uncouplers. Gaugemaster offers a set of metal parts (SEEP GMC-EM2) that can be glued onto the side of the metal tension hooks. Please refer to the image below for reference. Once these metal parts are attached to the tension lock hooks, any magnet or electromagnet mounted on or under the track will cause the coupling hooks to lift and release. Ensure the train has stopped with the couplings positioned over the magnets. Back up the train slightly to release the tension on the hooks in order for the hooks to lift to allow uncoupling to take place.

Electromagnetic uncouplers  & how they work?

Another type of uncoupler that we mentioned earlier is the electromagnetic variety. These are designed to be compatible with Kadee, Bachmann, Sprat & Winkle, and other tension lock couplings. They feature a powered electromagnet or solenoid that can be controlled remotely using an on/off switch wired to the uncoupler. Similar to a traditional solenoid point motor, when the electromagnet is activated, it causes the actuator bar to move. The electromagnetic uncoupler operates in the same manner. When the electromagnet is turned off, the lift-up pad uncoupler is in its lowest position. This allows the train to pass over it while remaining coupled. An example of such an uncoupler is the Peco PL25, shown below. 

To use, a Peco uncoupling ramp or a similar device is mounted on top of the lifting bar. Ensure the train has stopped with the couplings positioned over the uncoupler. Back up the train slightly to release the tension on the hooks in order for the hooks to lift to allow uncoupling to take place.

Another option is Hornby's R8244 powered uncoupler, which features a trackside-mounted motor connected to the uncoupling ramp. When activated, the motor raises the ramp to lift the coupling hooks of the rolling stock positioned with their couplings over the ramp. When deactivated, the ramp lowers back down out of the way, as seen below.

The Rapido Trains Rail Crew uncoupler, depicted below, is a rotating-type electromagnet uncoupler. This is compatible with both Kadee and Bachmann E-Z couplings. This electromagnet is strategically positioned to avoid any interference with the train's couplings as it passes over. When the electromagnet is activated, it will rotate 90 degrees & If a train comes to a stop over the uncoupler while the electromagnet is switched on, the couplings will be released. The beauty of this uncoupler is that it can be completely hidden & ballasted over.

Kadee also provides its own electromagnetic uncoupler specifically designed for use with Kadee couplings. This uncoupler like the Rapido Rail Crew uncoupler, is installed beneath the track and functions in a similar way. When deactivated, it has no impact on the couplings of passing trains. However, when activated, the electromagnet causes the couplings to separate and uncouple. Again, it c an be completely hidden by track ballast.

Onboard powered remotely operated couplings

The uncouplers mentioned above are all effective & work well, but they do have a limitation of only being used in set locations on your layout where they have been installed. In reality, trains are coupled and uncoupled wherever required. So, how can you uncouple your trains anywhere on the layout? 

One option to consider is onboard retrofit powered operated couplings. Two such examples include the tension lock type by Keen Systems, the Kadee type by Precimodels. Both types are operated by DCC, so they will require a DCC decoder for operation.

The Keen Systems coupling, as seen above mounted on a locomotive tender, lowers the coupling to de-couple. The locomotive can then move away from the wagon/coach. This system requires room for the compact motor box that controls the coupling.

The Precimodels remote uncoupler is compatible with Kadee-style couplers. It features a wire or thread that connects to the moving bar on the compact motor to the hook on the coupling. When the bar is activated, it rotates and pulls the wire or thread, causing the coupling hook to swing and release, thus uncoupling the loco from the rolling stock. 

Make your own uncoupling tool

The traditional handheld method of uncoupling involves using a handheld uncoupling tool. These tools are simple & easy to make. the tool will need a handle at one end & either a hook or a flat square piece at the end. To make the flat square end, use a piece of Plasticard or even an old expired credit card cut to size. Attach these to the end of a wooden dowel, a metal tube, or even an empty pen with the ink tube and nib removed. The image below displays an example of a plastic uncoupler tool with a spade end. This particular tool was manufactured by Hornby and came with a shunter's wagon, but hopefully gives you an idea of the spade-type uncoupling tool.

Using Kadee couplings, club member Wagon Mike uses a long wooden skewer for remote uncoupling on his layout. He inserts the wooden skewer into the couplings and twists it slightly. The couplings then release, as shown in Mike's photo below.

The humble paperclip makes for a great uncoupling tool, ideal for tension lock couplings, and so on. Simply bend the larger short arm on the paper clip to form a right angle. Then bend the rest of the paperclip straight, leaving one end in a U-shape that forms the handle. The right-angle section, when using this tool, is positioned below the center of two coupled wagons. Pull up the paperclip uncoupler to lift the coupling hooks. The wagons can now be pulled apart.

A similar method uses a metal BBQ skewer cut to a suitable length and the end bent over to form a hook, as shown in this example by club member Dave - Derbytrainfan.

Another effective technique involves attaching the wire hook or spade to a pen torch. Below is one of my homemade tools. I bent a paperclip to the appropriate shape to form a hook and affixed it to the side of the pen torch using glue. To provide additional durability, I wrapped electrical tape around the end of the pen torch over the glued paperclip hook. This method has proven successful for more than a couple of decades & counting. The torch makes it easier to see between the wagons/coaches when uncoupling.

Other options for hand-held uncoupling tools include attaching a magnet to a wooden dowel or plastic tube to lift the couplings. This is especially useful for those using scale 3-link/screw link or instanter couplings. Some modellers even attach the magnetic uncoupler to a small pen torch. This concludes our look at couplings and uncouplers.

Keep on shuntin'