N-scale magnet article

[Anonymous]

In the new issue of MR on page 72 they use magnets from radioshack as uncouplers for a N-scale layout. My question is could these be used for HO scale or would the magnets be to weak. If they can't do you have any suggestions on cheap uncoupler magnets.
Andy

[Anonymous]

I have several of the Kadee permanent magnets for uncoupling cars installed about the same as shown in the article you reference. I also was curious about the Radio Shack magnets (I am in HO as well). So, I headed to the nearest RS and purchased a package of magnets and installed them on a section of test track. The magnets do work but they need to be as close to the track as you can mount them. I finally glued them to the bottom of the ties on the Shinohara code 70 test track and am rather pleased with the result. They are weak enough they do not cause a separation of the train with just a slight amount of slack between the cars. However, when I stop the train and back full slack into the couplers over the magnets the cars do uncouple just fine, and the delay function for pushing the uncoupled car into a siding is unaffected. One note of caution. I find the magnets must be dead center under the track to get the best and most reliable uncoupling.

I do, and have always maintained, that articles that address one scale, N gauge in this instance, can often be used in another scale. I am always puzzled when others complain about a lack of articles in their scale. The article by Lee Vande Visse on constructing a pond will work in any scale even though Mr. Vande Visse worked in narrow gauge O scale. I possess a considerable library of Model Railroaders and use them often as reference for projects I am working on. Go back to the 40's and nearly every article was O gauge, but the information is just as useful to me as it is to O scalers. Information is information, plans are plans and on and on. But I guess trying to start a war of the gauges is entertaining to some folks. Have at it but always make it fun.

Steam is not just for cooking corn.

Tom

[Anonymous]

I agree with you that most articles can be used for all the different scales. All you need is some basic math skills to change some measurements. The only reason i wanted to ask was because I wasn't sure that they would be strong enough to move the larger and higher couplers. Thanks alot for the detailed and quick answer.