Preserving Magnetraction. Is this a good idea?

[msacco]

I have always heard that's it's smart to store magnetraction engines on tubular track to help preserve the magetic force, but I have my finer engines stored in a cabinet which has aluminum railrax.
So...I came up with the idea of using smallish finishing nails and sticking them to the wheelsets connecting a wheel on one side to a wheel on the other side. I'm wondering if this has the same effect as storing an engine on tubular steel. Don't know much about magnetism or the like.
Any thoughts on this.

MIke Sacco

[jefelectric]

It makes sence to me. It is recomended that good magnets be stored with a 'keeper' between the poles. This would serve the same purpose.

http://www.le.ac.uk/se/centres/sci/selfstudy/mam8.htm

http://www.magnetsales.com/Design/FAQs_frames/FAQs_3.htm

Hope this helps, although it is not directly train related.

[Anonymous]

Magnetic fields are "grounded" to keep the fields from picking up other stuff. Permanent magnetic fields are the result of forcing the electrons in certain electron shells to spin in the same direction. The electrons will continue to spin in this fashion and produce a magnetic field until the spin is disrupted. This usually requires sharp physical blows, heat, or subjecting the magnets to a disruptive field. Storing the trains on a piece of track will tend to keep the magnets from picking up stuff they shouldn't.

[msacco]

thanks guys. Jeff, those links were nice. thanks.

Mike Sacco