This question got asked over on OGR. Remagnitizing Magnetraction. [asked by AlanH]

[ChiefEagles]

In a reply, I asked if adding a strong magnet to the frame like you would weights to give better traction would help with magnetraction? Also, would a strong magnet interfer with the motor magnets? Could you glue thin magnets between the power trucks and the frame and still have room? Got no answer to my question so I thought you all might give some comments. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Did not a fellow make a system to where it give so much magnatism where it would operate the train upside down?

I'll find the link...

[Anonymous]

Yes, I remember that too. It was though the track though.

Maybe you could buiy neyodeum magnets, and then jb weld them to the frame?

[SPFan]

Alnico magnets can be remagnetized but the devices to do that are many times more expensive than the magnets. Jerrys suggestion of replacing the alnico ones with Neodymium is a good one assuming you could find then is the right size. Many of the steam engines used a simple round bar magnet but getting one to the specific length might not be that simple since you can't cut it easily or without reducing its strength. Doing a google search on alnico magnets will provide numerous sources though.
Example: http://www.magnetcity.net/alnico.htm?iorb=4764

Pete

[ben10ben]

Lionel still catalogs the Alnico magnet used in the 681, 682, 736, and possibly others(746?) for $5. I believe that it's been used in an engine in the last couple of years.

When searching for a replacement for my 681, I went to several magnet vendors seeking a replacement NIB magnet. I found a rectangular magnet that was the correct dimensions, but, due to design considerations, didn't think that it would work. I was not able to find a round magnet in the exact size, though I did find one that should(in theory) be stackable in such a way that the original could be replicated.

[Anonymous]

I have magnet charger that will charge lionel diesel axles stronger than original.
A now departed electrical engineer made it for me and it is not hard to make if you have access to, 1 a electrical motor rewinder for wire, blacksmith for correct iron and shape and that is it.
I posted on ogr a long time ago but i think it got chewed up.
Anyway if you really want to know how to build one email me: [e-mail] Dave

[ChiefEagles]

Thanks guys.

[ChiefEagles]

Dave [northern 1] sent me the directions on how to remagnitize or magnitize metal. It will work. Had seen this years ago in college in Ag Engineering. Now to get it built. Email Dave and he will send you the directions. Thanks Dave.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, if you happen to be near enough to Chesterfield where Lionel is headquartered and where their customer service is, you can take any of their Magnetraction locomotives in (whether it's less than a year or 50 years old) and have the magnetraction recharged for free. I did this when I was working there about 10 years back. It always gave as much magnetism as I could ever need.

If you're going to try to experiment with adding magnets, bear some things about magnetic fields in mind... Pardon any imprecise lingo, I'm a mechanical engineer not an electrical engineer... Once I saw a print at work for a wiring harness, only it was misspelled as "wiring hardness". I made a copy and put it on my wall, with an arrow pointing to the error saying "The reason I'm not an electrical engineer."

Magnetraction works by "conducting" magnetism to the wheels so that they will stick to the track.

Some ways of achieving a similar boost to tractive effort, such as trying to attract the locomotive to the track with a magnet that would get close to the track but not touch might have some unwanted effects. Remember, a wire moving through a magnetic field produces current. That's how electricity is generated. And that is what you could get if you placed your magnets such that they are exerting a magnetic field on your track, which is effectively a wire. It could be harmless, or it could produce a DC signal that might set off horns or produce unexpected effects with your controls.

This doesn't really happen with Magnetraction because the source of the magnetic field, the wheel, is actually not moving relative to the track (unless the wheels slip)

[Anonymous]

Neodymium magnets are commonly sold on eBay. there are a couple vendors who do nothing but sell them there.

[Anonymous]

Here would be an excellent choice to glue onto a frame

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=370&item=MAG-71&type=store

Might have enough space to put a coulple more on!! muwahahaha[:-,][:D]

[SPFan]

Will, Do you know when Lionel remagnetizes the engines do they have to remove the magnets or is it done through the wheels?

Pete

[Anonymous]

It can be done through the wheels. That is the way I do it all the time. Dave.

[Anonymous]

When Lionel charges (or recharges) magnetraction, there is no disassembly involved. On the assembly line, it's actually one of the last operations. It's been a while, but if I remember correctly it's done right before the ramp test. The operation is done on a fully assembled engine, pretty much charging it through the wheels. If I remember correctly, the device is like a box with a track on top of it and a button, put your engine on it and pu***he button, it charges for 5 or 10 seconds or whatever length of time it was, and you're done.

[darsenau]

QUOTE: Originally posted by northern 1

It can be done through the wheels. That is the way I do it all the time. Dave.

Dave,

Do you have a special tool to do it through the wheels?

Don A.

[Anonymous]

Please email me so I can send you out the detailed folder I have ready to email. I have had quite afew requests and all have been very satisfied with my insturctions.
[e-mail]

[Dobson]

Would anyone mind posting the details to this thread For Remagnetizing?   I tried to reach out to norther1 and I received a bounce back.  

 

You can email them to me as well.  

[e-mail]

 

 

thank you