Magnetizing N Scale Engine Wheelsets for Better Rail Contact?

[Anonymous]

I have three Life-Like SW-9s in which I installed NWSL wheelsets, Digitrax decoders, AND front and rear headlights. They look great but by removing the interior weight necessary to install the decoder and lights, electrical contact with the rails is poor.

I was wondering; has anyone ever tried magnetizing N Scale engine wheelsets so they are "attracted" to the rails? In theory, I think, that would improve electrical contact with the rails. But would that interfere with the decoder or the data packets in the rails?

Thom MacColl
Rocky River, OH

[roadrat]

The new nickle/silver track is non-magnetic, the only track that was magnetic is the old steel track.
your best bet is to add more weight to your loco's, try taking some lead fishing sinkers and pounding them flat and molding them to fit in your loco shells.
hope this helps.


bill

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by roadrat

The new nickle/silver track is non-magnetic, the only track that was magnetic is the old steel track.

[#ditto]
I don't even know if anyone has ever made steel N-scale track. I think it was all HO.

But likewise for the wheel sets - I believe NWSL only makes nickel-silver (brass) which would not be magnetizable <is that a word?> to begin with.