|
|
 Posted - November 25 2017 : 12:33:11 AM
|
I am in the process of building my yard on my layout. I plan on using magnetic uncouplers. What keeps the magnets from pulling on the metal wheels and axles? Not to mention the metal weights in side a car.
Yardmaster 54
|
Country:  USA ~
Posts: 277 ~
Member Since: October 01 2011 ~
Last Visit: August 27 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 25 2017 : 11:53:11 PM
|
quote:I am in the process of building my yard on my layout. I plan on using magnetic uncouplers. What keeps the magnets from pulling on the metal wheels and axles? Not to mention the metal weights in side a car.
Originally posted by yardmaster54Â -Â November 25 2017Â :Â 12:33:11 AM
|
Nothing. The magnet does attract all that iron, but I can't remember it causing any serious problem, back when I was using magnetic uncoupling ramps. There are manufacturers, though, who use brass axles to avoid that, so someone must have perceived a problem.
Carpe Manana!
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 2411 ~
Member Since: September 17 2013 ~
Last Visit: November 30 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 26 2017 : 07:37:10 AM
|
| The strength of the magnet is what keeps it from causing problems. Uncoupling ramps are relatively weak magnets. They are not strong enough for things like metal weights inside cars to cause problems. The same holds true for steel axle wheelsets. The weight and rolling resistance of the car will keep the magnet from causing problems, though if you roll a loose truck with steel axles over the magnet it will have an effect.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 597 ~
Member Since: December 22 2013 ~
Last Visit: December 05 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 27 2017 : 4:25:46 PM
|
In my experience it depends on the strength of the magnet. I like to use the larger #308 magnet that fits under the ballast. That magnet is strong enough to pull Athearn blue box cars with steel weights (and cars with steel axles) and cause them to uncouple when you don't want to.
As far as those steel axles go, I replace all my wheelsets with non-magnetic Kadee or Intermountain wheelsets.
On my layout, I put the magnets under the ballast only for sidings and yards. For the mainline, I mount the magnet on a hinged lever and add a pull string. When I want to uncouple, I pull the string to swing the magnet up to the track. When I'm done uncoupling, I let go and the magnet pivots down and away. That way trains won't become uncoupled when running on the mainline.
Edited by - Redwoods on November 27 2017 4:27:18 PM
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1084 ~
Member Since: July 07 2011 ~
Last Visit: December 01 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - December 02 2017 : 1:48:36 PM
|
Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.
Yardmaster 54
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 277 ~
Member Since: October 01 2011 ~
Last Visit: August 27 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
Home
Forums
Events Calendar
Forum Admins & Mods
Register
1 guest.)
