摘要 |
This invention relates to a model railway system employing a novel uncoupling mechanism for couplers of the type which are coupled by having one coupler cam another upward so that it may then drop into the coupled relationship. Couplers of this type, equipped with suitable magnets, can be uncoupled mechanically or by magnetic repulsion or attraction. In accordance with the present invention a normally inactive uncoupling magnet, located at an uncoupling station, is rendered active, thereby to effect uncoupling by magnetic repulsion of one of the couplers. The couplers, after being thus disconnected, are displaced laterally in opposite directions by magnetic attraction and the raised coupler is then permitted to drop. The altered relationship is such that one coupler may push the other without recoupling. By this means a detached car or train section can be pushed to any desired location and left there. When this has been done the locomotive-connected train section may be withdrawn to permit the couplers, under spring action, to resume their normal positions. They will then automatically recouple when thrust together.
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