Ideas for Creating a Better Uncoupler / Operating Track / UCS

[JTrains]

So, my next little project in support of my 2YO is to try and create a better (meaning, with a larger electromagnetic actuating area) uncoupler track.  I have two operating cars that have the spring-dump design which is actuated by pulling down on what is essentially a large metal tack (like most modern couplers).  I've got a couple UCS tracks and they work fine - when you get the car's actuator precisely aligned over the rather small electromagnet, which for a 2YO is a dicey (read: frustrating) proposition.

 

So, I started looking around for a larger, relatively flat ~12V AC electromagnet I could engineering under a piece of track.  I haven't been successful. Most electromagnets I've found are DC (although I could rectify the current), and the ones that are AC are built for 110V. Also, many of both current types are meant to generate what seem to be very strong forces (think 50lb+ of holding force). I want to pull the actuator - not rip it off the car.

 

There are other problems I would foresee might needing to tackle - such as placing the magnet such that it doesn’t pull too hard on ferrous track (perhaps using a piece of GarGraves stainless steel track?), ensuring I'm not inducing current that is unwanted in the track (maybe it's negligible?) , etc.

 

Has anyone else tried to roll their own uncoupler track? Or does someone sell something like this?

[ADCX Rob]

GarGraves has already built an electromagnet with an extended length magnet:

[JTrains]

ADCX Rob

GarGraves has already built an electromagnet with an extended length magnet.

Exactly what I was looking for - thank you!

[Firesteel]

Another suggestion would be to power the uncoupler using a fixed voltage. This way the car doesn't need to be perfectly aligned as it can essentially be dumped while rolling. This would eliminate the need for a different uncoupler. 

[JTrains]

Firesteel

Another suggestion would be to power the uncoupler using a fixed voltage. This way the car doesn't need to be perfectly aligned as it can essentially be dumped while rolling. This would eliminate the need for a different uncoupler. 

Good ideas - I do have the UCS running off of fixed voltage (along with my switches) of around 13V but it still seems to have a pretty small magentic area, esp. when the train is stopped (which is when my son wants to unload).  This necessitates a "Noah, please go push the train a little back" comment - which can then create its own issues.  I'm going to put the GarGraves on, er, Noah's Christmas list...