Plate 98:  Uncoupling will not occur during forward motion
(This plate added OCT 2003)

In this view, the uncoupling ramp is tested to make sure that forward-moving trains will not uncouple over the ramp. The "Flying Scotsman" has been re-coupled to all its cars, and is moving forward (to the left in this picture) over the uncoupling ramp. When this occurs, the cars passing over the ramp remain coupled, because uncoupling occurs only when a train is backed up onto the ramp. This is because couplers are not under tension when a train is being backed up. --more--

When couplers are under tension, as when a train is being pulled forward, the uncoupling ramp has no effect upon the couplers. You can't see the ramp in this picture because it is concealed by the wheels of the car on the right as the train is pulled forward. Note: the explanations of uncoupling in Plates 96 through 98 pertain to Hornby trains. There are many other types of model train couplers and many other methods of uncoupling. Go to top of page