Layout Railfanning: Manned Helpers Uncouple on the Fly

Enjoy this brief clip of the Essex helpers cutting away from an eastbound coal train! On the prototype, a system called "HelperLink" allows the coupler pin on the lead helper unit to be lifted while traveling under 20 mph. On my layout, I place a MAC Rail v2.0 EOT on the helper's coupler, which prevents the couplers from interlocking. As the train crests the grade, I throttle back on the helper units, which causes them to disengage from the train. The trick is making sure you're pushing enough to maintain contact but not so much that cars are getting pushed off the track.

[@Wayne2224]

Love this layout! Wish I had the space to do something like this.

[@garypyke1576]

Your locomotives sound amazing and your layout is beautiful

[@randydobson1863]

hello Railfan220 it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks railfan220 Friends Randy & Merry Christmas & Happy New Year's & Best in New Year's 2024 Railfan220 Thanks Friends Randy

[@derekalexander4030]

That’s a great effect, Cam. Thanks for putting the how to in the description.

[@railwayjade]

Wow, very cool, do you somehow use the Kaydee delayed uncouple action or something? Are there two drivers/engineers, surely the helpers are not MUed in DCC terms

[@standforchrist1]

How did you get it to uncouple like that? Is there a Rapido magnetic uncoupler machine underneath?

[@Paintnrust_mike]

Nice!

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Super

[@gerdeguelle1967]

Very nice video again

[@kennymac64]

Very cool! I will copy this process for sure!

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Very interesting