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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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1. Is a 4% grade (1" in 25") too much or can I make it higher?
2. If I choose to have uncouplers on my layout, what should I go with?  I know Kadee makes some but I don't know anything about them. 

Is a 4% grade (1" in 25") too much or can I make it higher?

A.  4% is not the limit but I find that a 4% grade is darn hard on the engines. Two GP40's can pull 40 NMRA weighted cars up a 4% grade on my layout. 2% is better and I have several of these. If you have enough room you can make a 4% into a 2% by doubling back. I have a bent dog bone. There are only two grades that are 4%. Most single engines (not switchers) can handle about 10-12 cars on 4%. My SD's can handle about 15-20 (more traction, more weight). Steam is a different issue. Steam engines of all kinds don't have as much weight (no flywheels) and therefore don't pull on hills very well.  This said, brass engines do much better.

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If I choose to have uncouplers on my layout, what should I go with?  I know Kadee makes some but I don't know anything about them. 

A. Kadee makes four kinds of uncouplers.

1. Permanent. This is the 380-312. It is suitable for sidings only. Any slack in the couplers over the uncoupler will actuate the two couplers to uncouple.

2. Delayed. This is the 380-321. It is suitable for entrances to yards or yard leads where you don't want to put a 312 (permanent) uncoupler on each track and want to "spot" cars. This is delayed uncoupling where you back up over the coupler to get slack and actuate then push the car with knuckles in the delayed position "thumb to thumb".

3. Hidden. This is 380-308. Same as 321 but under the track not between the rails. It is a delayed uncoupler. Again, usually put on a yard lead.

4. Electro-magnet. This is 380-307. Can work like permanent or delayed depending on how long you actuate. This is the only one that can be put on a main line and not worry about spurious uncoupling. The 307 requires power and a button to actuate. You can "slack" and "actuate" making it like the permanent kind or "slack", "actuate" and reconnect while actuating to make it a delayed uncoupling.

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This page was last updated: 2008-07-26