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Illuminated uncoupler stick Journals/Blogs
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Super User 449 posts pby_fr Super User 449 posts
pby_fr

I recently saw on YouTube an illuminated uncoupler (on Lawrie's Mechanical Marvels channel), but it is only available in the UK.

So I quickly found a cheap base to make my own stick: some LED chopsticks!

https://www.ebay.fr/itm/1-Pair-Light-Up-LED-Lightsaber-Chopsticks-Chinese-Chopstick-BPA-Free-Food-Safe/383899555527?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=652236560711&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I modified one, after polishing both end for better light, by adding a small piano wire for the hook:

 

Now I can operate my pseudo link and pins in total darkness (I never remove pins, the free side is put around the other car pin, above the coupler):

Maybe it will give someone some idea.

pby_fr's blog index
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steve ackerman Active Member 94 posts
steve ackerman

Done

Micro-Mark has one in their new catalog.
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GT Mills Regular poster 419 posts
GT Mills

Ya know, I just bought some

Ya know, I just bought some new chopsticks last month, when I saw illuminated ones model railroading did not come to mind.  But I gotta say THIS is definitely a great application, gotta me a pair!  Make it several.  I especially like the idea of polishing and adding a wire probe.

Lends itself to all kinds of fun things - including uncoupling shadowy train cars! LOL. 

 

 

Greg

Grew up next to the Flint & Pere Marquette RR tracks originally laid 1871 through Northville, Michigan

 

 
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GT Mills Regular poster 419 posts
GT Mills

Ah

I just looked, they are $19.95 EACH plus shipping from Micro-Mark.  You can buy three sets of chopstix on Ebay with free shipping for that, so a fourth set since S&H is free.  You get eight chopstix for the price of one from M-M.  Of course you need to do some work on them to make them useful as uncouplers, like you did. 

Greg

Grew up next to the Flint & Pere Marquette RR tracks originally laid 1871 through Northville, Michigan

 

 
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pby_fr Super User 449 posts
pby_fr

I didn't know about the one

I didn't know about the one from Micro-Mark, and with shipping, it would be $39.75!

And if it may be good for Kadee and alike, I would have needed a modification too for my pins and links.

 

I only polished the ends, but I think that these chopsticks can be filed flat or more pointy if needed. But for best light transmission, it is better to insert some small tool at the end for doing the uncoupling.

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jimfitch Prolific poster 5,281 posts
jimfitch

For when you need to uncouple in the dark

For when you need to uncouple cars in the dark!  

.

Jim Fitch
northern VA
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PeterU Regular poster 213 posts
PeterU

Old eyes

Quote:

For when you need to uncouple cars in the dark! 

My old eyes occasionally need a little help.

Peter Ulvestad
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Lynn Bowers New member 2 posts
Lynn Bowers

lit chop sticks

amazon has a pair for 10.97. Lite saber chop sticks
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musinger New member 12 posts
musinger

lit chops

Thanks for the idea its a good one
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