Uncoupler magnets

[KenK]

I've been thinking about using electromagnets for uncoupling, but I don't care for
the ready-made units. Anybody out there ever make your own? If so, I'd like to
learn from your mistakes.

[nfmisso]

Ken;

Search the magazine index, there was an article in MR a few years ago (less than 10 for sure).

[Fergmiester]

Try using fridge magnets seen in the following picture. You can buy six of these at a craft store for about a couple of dollars. Lay them into the roadbed at an angle (you'll have to experiment) then lay the track over top. These will work quite well after a little tweeking.



Regards
Fergie

[KenK]

I'm really not interested in the permanent magnet type. I've tried these and found that they
either work too well (unintentional uncoupling) or not well enough (unreliable uncoupling).
I want something strong enough to definitely uncouple, but only when desired.

If this makes me picky and demanding............oh well.

[Anonymous]

Hello KenK,

Yup, me too. I played with electro magnets but have ended up using a set of movable under-track permanent magnets. I have a number of uncoupling places which have a removable piece of cork roadbed. The magnet is placed in the slot for the period of operations and then the roadbed is put back for uncoupling free running.

[Fergmiester]

I wonder if you used the same technology as those hockey games with the spindles and flat hockey players you might be able to rig movable magnets.

Just a thought
Fergie