Model Railroading > Kadee Question

Going through my HO collection of specialized tools I found a Kadee No.334 Uncoupler Gluing Jig that was buried in the old tool box, The Question is "Is it code 83 compatible ?", I know if it isn't, I'll just bend the coupler up a little to clear the magnet, TIA, Ed

If my memory serves myself correctly the instructions that came with the jig said to cut away the ties between the rails when using code 83 track.

Looking at the Kadee website it would seem that the fixture doesn't care would the rail dimension is, since it sits on top of the rail. The issue becomes the thicker uncoupling magnet on the thinner rail. In the past year or so Kadee has released a code 83 uncoupling magnet which would be preferred to prevent having to dig into the plastic ties.

http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/HO-Scale%20Uncouplers.htm

http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page334.htm

Their coupler height fixture had a dual purpose of positioning uncoupling magnets. The one I have doesn't seem to center the magnet very well and some of the car wheels keep hitting the magnet. I like using pointed wood dowels for uncoupling but have a few magnets in tough to reach places or places where the power is always uncoupled at the same spot.

Well I found the instructions today but didn't see anything about code 83 , so when was code 83 introduced ?, TIA, Ed

I remember writing an article comparing code 100 and code 83 for my college technical writing class. That was 1983.
Clarence

The Kadee fixture is to mount the magnet 1/64th of an inch
above the rail, and level front to back, and side to side.

Rail height is irrelevant.

However

Make sure there is sufficient space for the magnet to stick to the
jig and rest on the rail without forcing it, or wobbling. Remove offending ties
if needed. After it can sit flat, pour some Elmers wood glue in
the cavity and put the jig with magnet in place. More than one
jig saves time on a large project. If you are trying to reuse the
jig before the glue dries, it's time to buy a couple more jigs.

The jig is double sided for delayed and non delayed magnets
since they are different widths.

Larry

Ed

Get a Kadee height gauge. The lip on the front will let you know
if the end of the uncoupling pin is 1/32nd of an inch above the
rail. The back of the gauge will let you know if the magnet is
at the correct height. The new version is not made out of metal,
so using it won't short out your DCC railroad.

Larry