How to go shunting/ switching in N Gauge with Arnold and Peco Couplings

[@brettany_renee_blatchley]

In my opinion, the _Budget Emphasis_ of BMR helps to fill a crucial gap for this hobby. Truly, there is something here for everyone because of the creative ways you approach limitations. Even the "money is no object" crowd runs into limitations. AND it is refreshing and fun to work within or work beyond a limitation with just a bit of creativity. Seeing the amazing modeling and the fun you have with so little is a continual inspiration. Holiday Blessings to the Whole BMR Family & Allies! 🎄🎉💚💙💜

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks as always for your support and a very Happy Christmas to you and your special someone

[@stevepayne1369]

I also have no problem with "The Hand of God" as on the real railway, trains are coupled and uncoupled by hand except with more modern stock. Using the very easily made shunting pole as you shown, is near to how the real thing is done and with no need for changing the couplings to expensive magnetic types and installing on track magnets. I think the uncoupling with the shunting pole is also mindful - it takes care and little time and that is how it is on the full size railway too. Thankyou for your excellent videos and your friendly and informative commentary :-)

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks, as you say the pole is really a more accurate representation of real life, I don't feel the expense and effort involved in so called auto coupling is justified

[@Galacticmaster]

im soo glad your still making videos. im getting into n gauge now from OO and you must have been the most watched modeller so far. took alot of your tips and tricks.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks, there are quite a few N videos in our back catalogue. What's made it possible for me is the Kato Pocket Line Range, I can't afford the 2nd hand and new prices of UK outline locos

[@attuslebeard5133]

That little Kato set is great value especially since the loco chassis alone is £28 + on ebay. Another nice little controller is the one that is included in the Piko train sets - I use one with my OO9 stock.

[@billybobbassman]

Weirdly, I started doing something like this using a piece of wire last weekend, my dad reminded me of something similar he had made for me when I was young (and had a basic 00 layout). I just love playing trains, hand of God has never been a problem for me 👍

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Cyril Freezer made a clever one with a mini torch attached which is very handy for n

[@billybobbassman]

@@BudgetModelRailways now that ups the game a little. Having a light would make life even easier

[@BudgetModelRailways]

I have a video on it on our channel if that helps

[@billybobbassman]

@@BudgetModelRailways that would be very interesting to watch, if you can share the link?

[@BudgetModelRailways]

@@billybobbassman I struggle a bot with links, but if you scroll through the channel videos it should come up

[@MahmWithThePlan]

Newcomer to N gauge (bought some 00 sets before but... that was a failure because no space) been watching your videos for a while. Watched this one a few times before getting my train set and done my first ever bit of shunting the other day with my two sidings. I have to say it was immensely enjoyable, very therapeutic! Following your latest N gauge series with great interest. Thank you for all that you do!

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks, glad we could help

[@michaelzalewski2532]

Merry Christmas 🎄 thanks for the excellent tips

[@FredrikSimonsson]

Thanks, I will try this next time I'm down with my son at our local popondetta store running on their tracks.

[@bangboats3557]

The biggest problem with the arnold/rapido type couplers is they need a fair bit of coupling force - the answer is WEIGHT! The rolling stock weighs nothing in N, I always add as much weight as I can, to N and even ho/oo. If they have more weight then they have more inertia. Admittedly it is hard to add weight in N - american box cars are easier, but in UK stock box and coaches can be weighted but open wagons? So I made loads for them, and the weight is in the load. Cut up a random assortment of balsa square shapes, like cartons or packing crates, stack them around a large fishing sinker, drape the whole thing in tissue then soaked in pva/water mix and when dry, paint a neutral canvas color - you have a nice canvas draped wagon load. Yes you must check and adjust the couplers, and lubricate with some powdered graphite. Good running engines are a must and smooth power plus good track, but if you want to shunt N reliably, get heavy! Heavy wagons also track better, less derailments, and less rocking side to side which immediately looks toy like. I have a usb recharged slim flashlight that has a wire attachment taped to it that ends like a flat spoon, with this I can both see and use it to lift one coupler for manual uncoupling anywhere. So if you want to run N, from years of experience, I know you need to add weight. the average N loco has so much traction force it can haul long rakes of weighted stock, no problems. Great video as always guys! I love your adventures into N, a scale I have always enjoyed. For me, the best fun was building N in the same space as a moderate OO layout for then, in N, you can run these long rakes of coaches and wagons, almost real sized trains! Shunting long rakes of wagons is so cool but, you need them heavy to track properly or you get couplers bunching and derailments.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks for the heads up I will try that as I have loads of lead weight

[@kenshores9900]

Thank you for doing this video! Lots of my rolling stock equipped with Rapido couplers. Like your uncoupling tool. And for those that are offended by the hand of God, well get a life. Model trains are toys and we are playing. The mind needs this escape. Every layout needs a shunting area. Again thanks and Merry Christmas to you.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks Ken, it's all playing with trains regardless of how much you spend or how long it took you, well said. Thanks for commenting and happy Christmas

[@kenshores9900]

@@BudgetModelRailways I have a small N scale locomotive that I use for shunting. It is just cool. Keep the videos coming.

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Perfect video for the beginner like myself who is looking to buy some of my first rolling stock and what to look for. Thanks for sharing

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks for watching, have fun with your railway. Can't recommend the kato pocket line range enough, cheap and reliable

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

@@BudgetModelRailways looking at buying my first KATO starter set from a fellow enthusiast to get started. This pocket range would suit the diorama I have in mind

[@daviemaclean61]

H.O.G. is my favourite method. The price and complexity of point motors I prefer H.O.G. points too! ;-)

[@andrewretallick4614]

Really enjoying your n gauge videos. Love your shunting layout it has spurred me on to make my own! Keep up the good work in whatever scale takes your fancy🙂 Merry Christmas, Andrew

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks, I am in a bit of a N gauge place now lol. Good luck with your n layout and have fun. Happy Christmas

[@peterjackson-cheadleheath1182]

Hi Julian A really great build you made there, very realistic, good luck with the further additions etc. Thanks

[@unkownuser8645]

Fantastic little shunting layout, absolutely fantastic.😊

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks

[@Andy001z]

Very timely video, what with my shunting plans. You made me think about access to the hooks, I'll have to remember to allow enough space for the decoupling hook. Made me wonder if in real scale they would have wagons with breaks on them to help with the hook up.

[@southjersey10]

Thanks for this “shunting short”. The Arnold coupler is not prevalent in America; interesting to see them in operation. Liking your use of the improvised decoupler with the 🖐 of God. I typically use a wooden skewer with one end sharpened thin for my N Scale shunting work.

[@kenshores9900]

The “Arnold of Rapido” couplers were popular in the 80’s. They aren’t now. There is tons of used stuff with these couplers out in the used market. So one has three choices; change them out, make an adapter car (different couplers in each end) or just use them. Do as you please. The enjoyment is watching the trains run.

[@southjersey10]

@@kenshores9900 Thanks for the history lesson 😀

[@edgein7892]

Ever looked into Arnold Simplex? I run several little shunters with this mechanism, takes some getting used to but it was a great idea back then.

[@railwayjade]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@BudgetModelRailways]

And to you thanks

[@OlivierGabin]

Agreed. From my personal experience with N scale, the Arnold coupling works fine when correctly manufactured, and does not needs to be replaced. My French and Japanese rolling stock is equipped out of the box with Arnolds, like my new UK models in N (Hymeks, class 17, 22 and 03/04), and I don't want to change them. Especially while I can't with my Japanese models (zero NEM pocket !). So, Arnolds are simple, works anytime and have zero additional cost. The only magnetic couplings I have in N are on my US stock because it is standard issue, except for one engine where I have... uncompatible Arnold couplers I have to replace (around GBP 20 for the relevant Kadees...). Yes, magnetic couplers permits hand-free uncoupling, but at a cost. If not standard issue, no need to buy them in my opinion.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks for the additional info very helpful

[@phillwhitehead2414]

Been following some time now And originally was going into 00 gauge But as my circumstances changed due to the times we live in I have decided N gauge will be more affordable for me and won’t take up to much space

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hello,I find that 'N' gauge is awkward to decouple trucks but this helpsi,it does the job perfectly, great video.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks it is fiddly, but possible

[@davidportch8837]

Happy Christmas Mike and Doug...

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Happy Christmas to you too

[@alfredbarten4901]

I just created a straight track mockup and made two of your cattle prods. It works!!!! I think all the rolling stock could benefit from some added weight.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Yes , I've since added weight to all the wagons

[@Liddy37]

I tweezer a tiny scrap of sponge between axle and underfloor

[@black5f]

I'm dabbling in N and have been wondering about the couplers, shunting etc, whether to switch (joke). I'm really O gauge British outline? With regards to fiddly ... 40 iron ore tipplers with 3 link couplings is a bit more fiddly than N ha ha. Hands all over the place!

[@ModelRailwayShed]

Merry Christmas Mike and Doug 🎄

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Merry Christmas to you and yours

[@TheJpec361]

I started in with N in the late 80's and used the Rapido coupler and they never failed. I got more serious about N a few years later and went to the knuckle couplers. They could be downright finicky...then the "experts" tell you bury magnets so you can uncouple hands free. I've never seen a train crew pick up or set out a car hands free; it's Hand of God on a bigger scale and I've seen them have to deal with wonky couplers on occasion. I like fiddling with my trains. If the appearance is bothersome I've taken a file to some and rounded the edges to look more like a US coupler.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks for commenting and happy Christmas

[@keithedmunds7536]

great video peco make a n gauge uncoupler for there track i never tried it i do similar to you only i use a dental probe just find it easier but yours is as good i use mainly fleschmann arnold and roco locos and they run really slow as i model german railways and im happy with arnold or rapido couplings same thing i allways watch to the the end you tend to give good advice after all its about not spending loads of money im strictly dc cost to much to convert all my locos thanks for sharing

[@BudgetModelRailways]

For me DCC has no advantages with the way I operate my layouts, certainly not enough to justify the extra cost and complexity. The problem with fixed UN couplers is that they never seem to be where I need them lol

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

You lost me at "We'll speak to you again soon", Mike! 😉

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks as always

[@platformten5958]

Hi Mike. And a very Happy Christmas to you as well. I like the coupling arrangement and I certainly wouldn't worry too much about the 'Hand of God' as it certainly didn't bother Maradona. Be nice if they made the couplings in OO Gauge. I've converted a few wagons from tension lock to magnetic and although they're good for shunting, you still have to use a hand to separate them. I wonder if those Kato ones would be effective if attached to OO Gauge rolling stock assuming, of course, you can purchase them separately. Also, might be handy if Kato made uncouplers that slotted into the track. Maybe they do as I'm not too clued up on 'n' Gauge availability. Take care, Paul. 👍

[@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932]

Excellent video, thank you

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks happy Christmas

[@MrLosttheplot]

great video, merry xmas

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks happy Christmas

[@williamjohnson7033]

Thanks for this. Much appreciated

[@normanrowe2831]

I have a couple of Kato n scale pocket train sets. You can’t go wrong with Kato.

[@phillipcollins9290]

My best loco is a Kato class 66; it just looks a bit diminutive against the US style hood units. If they'd made it 150:1, it would have been perfect!

[@andrewmasters5020]

I've tried automatic uncoupling, but my lovely Kato chassis is so low it gets derailed by the uncoupling ramp. No problems, though: HOG is fine for me.

[@davidsheriff8989]

Back again, the bars on the coupling hooks methinks are what cause problems running overe the frogs on points ?

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Not with N, but possibly with OO

[@KevTheBusDriver]

Hi - I've had N-gauge coupling pins below rail height - derails wagons on points every time! Caused by 'droopy' couplers. My solution was to cut the pins short (I don't use them for anything).

[@DillonTrinhProductions]

Do you think this would work for like the KATO/Peco 009 Ffestiniog Railway Prince and the narrow gauge coaches?

[@BudgetModelRailways]

They use different 009 couplings I'm afraid, although I believe they work very well

[@DillonTrinhProductions]

@@BudgetModelRailways Thanks

[@phillipcollins9290]

Do Peco couplings also use springs? I find the biggest problem with Arnold couplers is that the heights vary so much, and some stick up while others droop.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

No springs. I find the odd one drops but not many. Otherwise they are much easier and more reliable than the awful various OO Gauge tension lock couplings

[@phillipcollins9290]

@@BudgetModelRailways I wonder what keeps them aligned. Do the knuckles go from horizon only to up, or can they go up and down, like the sprung couplings. Be nice if one could convert Arnold couplings to ones that don't have springs.

[@paulpaxtop1580]

How do you detach an Arnold coupling from its connnection seat?

[@4everdc302]

Thought you guys were HO/OO chaps😋 Merry Christmas BMR's🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲

[@BudgetModelRailways]

We have done OO, HO, 009 and N at some point lol. Happy Christmas

[@dgattenb]

those kato pocket line shunters are awesome.... rivet counters wont like them ...

[@BudgetModelRailways]

What's wonderful isvtgat Kato are doing them like Lima used too, in the colour schemes of various country's railways. But the Freelance ones are 25% cheaper

[@alfredbarten4901]

Do you find some couplers don't lift easily or far? Is there a fix? Maybe shorten the springs?

[@BudgetModelRailways]

I don't have many issues, certainly less than with OO. The main one which seems common is random uncoupling while running

[@alfredbarten4901]

I use Rapidos with my 009 as well. No uncoupling problems.

[@cdyvids22]

Maybe metal isn't a good idea for a shunters pole since there is a risk of short circuiting your track, especially for n scale

[@BudgetModelRailways]

I've been using these for nine years and I've never had that happen, Cyril Freezer was using them for decades and recommend them in his books with no issues

[@foxhillrailway2252]

Mehano controllers are ace... perfect slow running... i did stay to the end lol

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks

[@davidsheriff8989]

Kato seems tolbe the best in N guage.....what do you think of the new Flying Scotsman TT ? Seasonal greetings, perhaps you could do a Christmas oval ?

[@BudgetModelRailways]

I did a video on TT, I can see it's merits but for me it's too costly. I may do a small shunting layout with TT once the whole range is available in about a year to 18 months. Kato by far and away the best N gauge I've used

[@lahirudarshana3704]

Happy Christmas"" ✨️

[@BudgetModelRailways]

And a happy Christmas to you

[@greatnorthernrailwaytother4711]

Nothing wrong with the hand of god and it is called Budget Model Railways for a reason 😊. I have one Kato HO scale loco in my collection and it my favourite shunter.

[@jvbndofvbnebe]

Hi everyone, is there a discord for budget railway modelling? Almost all of my railway servers are focused on the latest £200 loco

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Lol, the whole hobby is obsessed with the perfection at any price Brigade I am afraid

[@jvbndofvbnebe]

@@BudgetModelRailways unfortunately, that seems to be the case. I do like the idea of a Discord server or something like that for budget modellers

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on the channe hand of god is i must with running trains on the layout l thanks lee

[@greghall4836]

Maybe I'm steadier with my hands? I just use my hook, no hands of God when shunting. Always one hand on the controller and one on my stick. I put my stick under the couples and lift straight up. It probably works 99 times out of 100. The 100th time I might get sloppy and derail the wagon. All my rolling stock is Japanese N scale with their original Arnolds.

[@Ale-bj7nd]

Oh no hand of god scary

[@harrywoodell7008]

The hand of God needs the feet of God as the conductor/brakeman leaves the poorly heated Loco cab and trudges through the deep snow to trip the cut lever on the coupler, set the brake on the setout, close the cock on the brake line, set the derail after the Loco and remaining consist clear the turnout to the spur, give the engineer the all clear while protecting the backing move to get that luke warm Loco cab close by to jump back in,... . Hand of God is an important part of more realistic operation, as are the feet, eyes and ears.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Lol, excellent, well said. In real life Locomotives and rolling stock don't uncouple themselves , very good point

[@daveday5507]

But why not use the Peco magnetic uncoupler which is cheap and it works. Suitable magnets cost £5 for 40 from Amazon. Regarding the hand of God, why not push the locos. Dapol still do the old Kitmaster?Airfix range of loco kits. No power, no controller, no wire. That really would be Budget Model Railways.