Abstract: Embodiments related to a self-contained coupler for model railroad rolling stock are provided. In one example, a self-contained coupler comprises a coupler assembly including a knuckle and an uncoupling assembly configured to operate the coupler assembly. The example uncoupling assembly includes a signal input for receiving a signal and a motivator coupled to the coupler assembly via a movable link, the motivator operative to adjust the knuckle from a first position to a second position responsive to the signal. The example uncoupling assembly also includes a housing including the motivator and a rolling stock mounting location for mounting the uncoupling assembly to an item of the model railroad rolling stock.

Abstract: Embodiments related to a self-contained coupler for model railroad rolling stock are provided. In one example, a self-contained coupler comprises a coupler assembly including a knuckle and an uncoupling assembly configured to operate the coupler assembly. The example uncoupling assembly includes a signal input for receiving a signal and a motivator coupled to the coupler assembly via a movable link, the motivator operative to adjust the knuckle from a first position to a second position responsive to the signal. The example uncoupling assembly also includes a housing including the motivator and a rolling stock mounting location for mounting the uncoupling assembly to an item of the model railroad rolling stock.

Abstract: A model railroad coupler for use with model railroad rolling stock includes a coupler head and a coupler knuckle carried pivotally on the coupler head; an elongate coupler shank having one end thereof fixed to the coupler head; a coupler mounting structure carried at the other end of the coupler shank, the shank having a shank longitudinal axis; wherein the coupler head includes a coupler head side flange thereon for preventing over rotation of the coupler knuckle, the coupler head side flange having a flat, inner-facing surface which is parallel to the shank axis; and wherein the coupler mounting structure includes a coupler centering surface adjacent an end thereof, wherein the coupler centering surface has a first, co-linear portion and a second, angled portion wherein a first fulcrum point is located between the first, co-linear portion and the second, angled portion and a second fulcrum point located at an outer margin of the coupler centering surface.

Abstract: A method of assembling a model railroad truck includes placing a truck spring on a spring retainer which is carried on either of a truck bolster or a truck side frame, resting the free end of the truck spring on the other element of the truck, pushing the end of the truck bolster into the upper portion of the bolster receiver, such that the end of the truck bolster travels along truck radii of the bolster receiver, compressing the truck spring while simultaneously pushing the end of the truck bolster through the bolster receiver, and decompressing the truck springs to allow the bolster to be retained in the side frame.

Abstract: A model railroad remote uncoupler mechanism is intended for use with a signal-receiving mechanism and a self-centering coupler. A coupler is mounted on a unit of model railroad rolling stock, and is shiftable between a coupled condition, wherein the coupler engages a coupler on another unit of rolling stock, in an uncoupled condition. The remote uncoupler mechanism includes an electromotive actuator, which is activated by the signal-receiving mechanism, and a connector, which extends between the electromotive actuator and the coupler for shifting the coupler between its coupler position and its uncoupled condition. A power supply is provided for the remote uncoupler mechanism, which power supply may be carried on-board the rolling stock, or may include a pick-up mechanism for collecting power from the energized rails of the model railroad layout.

Abstract: A model railroad truck structure includes a truck bolster which has a side-frame keeper on each end thereof for maintaining a side frame in position on the bolster. An elongate truck side frame is carried on each end of the truck bolster, which is received within a bolster receiver therein. A spring retainer is provided for receiving a spring thereon and for maintaining the spring in position between the truck bolster and the side frame. The spring retainer may be located on the bolster or on the side frame.

Abstract: A coupler adaptor is intended for use with rolling stock that has a coupler mounted thereon, and is used between the coupler mount and a coupler draft box having a coupler mounted therein. The adaptor includes an adaptor plate having a post thereon. A spring is provided and has opposed, extensible arms, and draft-box capturing fingers located at the ends of the arms. A spring coil is located intermediate the arms and is sized to fit over the post. When the individual elements are combined, the coupler may rotate relative to the draft box and the draft box may rotate relative to the adaptor plate, which is fixed on the rolling stock, thereby providing for significantly greater angular movement of the coupler than what would otherwise be possible.

Abstract: A model railroad coupler centering system includes a draft box and a coupler. The coupler includes a coupler head and a coupler knuckle. An elongate coupler shank extends between the coupler head and a coupler mounting structure. The coupler mounting structure includes a mounting plate, which may have forwardly diverging sides thereto. Plural centering springs are fixed on each side of the coupler mounting plate such that when the coupler is centered, the centering springs make touching, non-flexed contact with the interior of the draft box and, when the coupler is pushed off-center, one of the centering springs makes flexed contact within an interior side of the draft box and the other centering spring does not make any contact with the other side of the draft box.

Abstract: An improved coupler structure is intended for use on model railroad rolling stock. The coupler structure includes a coupler having a shank and a joining mechanism for joining to a companion coupler on another piece of rolling stock located at one end of the shank. A centering structure is located adjacent the other end of the shank for maintaining the coupler in an axially aligned condition with the rolling stock body axis. The centering structure includes a centering cavity formed in the shank other end and a centering mount attached to the rolling stock body.