Uncoupling track

A decoupling track is an element of a model railroad layout. It is a piece of rail with a mechanism for releasing the car couplings of a train, for example in front of one or more sidings . This makes it possible to simulate the dismantling of complete trains in a freight yard from real operation. In the prototype, the screw couplings used in Europe require one person to couple or uncouple each car by hand. In the model, the cars are decoupled “remotely” from the control panel.

Later they can be picked up again by another locomotive and in a different train combination. This means that the model railroad's operation can be made more varied without having to reach between the wagons with your hand.

Most of the uncoupling tracks are intended for bracket couplings, with which the cars are equipped as standard by most model railway manufacturers. These tracks contain a plate which is lifted by an electromagnet or a lever so that the movable coupling brackets of one car release upwards from the fixed hook of the other vehicle. Depending on the system, the trolleys can even be pushed further ("pre-uncoupling") without the couplings falling back again. Magnetic decouplers are also available for magnetic couplings, which are popular with US model railroaders.

See also: Track harp , freight yard , marshalling yard