position of uncoupling magnets

[radioandrail]

Newbie question: what is the preferred positioning of uncoupling magnets, near the turnout or a little further away? I was thinking near because of maybe having a long string of cars to decouple onto a spur. There will probably be lots of opinions, but that’s what makes this fun. Just joined the forum and enjoying it immensely.

[Anonymous]

I've only use uncoupling magnets in yards. For indutrial sidings, you want them where the car(s) will be left so you don't have to pull out and then shove them. I had one siding which had a slight slope and the cars just keep rolling until they hit something.

[cwclark]

i position mine close to the turnout but not so close that a train on the straight track can collide with the car on the diverging route...I place mine as follows; one on the diverging track and the other on the straight track just past the turnout and one at each industry where i want the rolling stock spotted...Chuck

[Medina1128]

Kleimeyer, from what I've been told, many sidings DO have a slight slope to prevent cars from rolling back into a switch and fouling it. I use N-gauge cork roadbed on my sidings for my HO layout. It's not quite wide enough on it's own, so I use some cork sheet after laying one side, then lay the opposite side, using a 2 foot stainless steel ruler as a guide with a sharp Xacto blade..

[radioandrail]

thanks for the help. will try a couple of different setups and see which one i like.

[bogp40]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kleimeyer

I've only use uncoupling magnets in yards. For indutrial sidings, you want them where the car(s) will be left so you don't have to pull out and then shove them. I had one siding which had a slight slope and the cars just keep rolling until they hit something.

To help stop cars from rolling/ crashing into each other or the bumper, try installing short pieces of monofilament fishing line drilled into the ties or roadbed. Place a series of these in the appropriate spots along the siding so that a spotted car's axles will rest against them. When installing the line, leave them a bit longer than nec., clip off until they contact the axle. You may have to experiment w/ the size for the proper flexability. Too thick and will derail light stock- too thin and wimpy won't stop a heavier car. DON"T use wire for this! One layout that did gave unsuspecting victims quite a stab.
Bob K.