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To operate model railroads realistically, modelers needed a coupling system that both looked and operated like the prototype. This led to the invention of the Magne-Matic® Coupler, which finally allowed modelers to evolve from being spectators, watching a toy train go around the track, to becoming model railroad engineers, switchmen, and brakemen on their own layouts. (Early coupling systems gave modelers the choice of either a coupler that looked like a 'prototypical' coupler but did not operate well, or a system that worked fairly well but did not look like a coupler.)
To this day, the Magne-Matic® Coupler is the only one with a 'prototypical' appearance that offers the model railroader 'hands-free' Automatic Coupling, Uncoupling and Automatic Delayed Recoupling.
The advent of the magnetic uncoupler brought further developments including the delayed-action coupler. This gave the model railroader complete control over train consists, allowing 'hands-free' operations from the control panel. Model railroaders could finally say goodbye to the 'unrealistic' operational limitations of the past.
Today, most of Micro-Trains® current coupler research involves the conversion of other manufacturers' N Scale rolling stock to the Magne-Matic® System. The lack of standards for coupler design or mounting guidelines has prompted Micro-Trains® to continue ongoing research and development of a wide range of different coupler conversion styles and options. (Micro-Trains Line, 2008) |
