Using neodymium magnets to increase traction

[dsmith]

Has anyone tried to use neodymium magnets to increase traction on engines that do not have magnetraction.  I am thinking of trying to glue a magnet to the bottom side of an engine down near the track with the hope that it will be attracted to the metal rails without ever contacting the rails.  This attraction would be directly between the magnet and the rail, not like magnetraction which attracts the wheels to the rail.  The neodymium magnets are so incredibly powerful that it seems that just being close to the rails would add a powerful attraction.  Has anyone tried this?

[dwiemer]

Off the top of my head, I would think that this would build up force against the motor, and cause increased heat build up with a decrease in power to motion.  I would think that it would be better to work with weight added over the drivers and scientific method with regard to weight added vs. ability to pull a given consist.  Some here have done exactly that, but it would be dependant on which motor and engine used.  If traction tires, etc.

dennis

PS: other methods tried were such things as adding sand paper glued to the inside of the outer rails and using better traction tires, I think the list is endless.

[otftch]

HO racecars use magnets like you propose.Much more power is needed to run the car.I have some with and some without and the difference in current draw is imense.

                                                                                              Ed

[Big Walnut Railroader]

Off the top of my head, I would think that this would build up force against the motor, and cause increased heat build up with a decrease in power to motion.

wouldn't it also run the chance of messing up the electronics of the modern locomotives (if thats what you plan to use)?

[alexweiihman]

Off the top of my head, I would think that this would build up force against the motor, and cause increased heat build up with a decrease in power to motion.

wouldn't it also run the chance of messing up the electronics of the modern locomotives (if thats what you plan to use)?

 

That's a good point

[Anonymous]

If the engine has traction tires, then why not add a bit of weight?  You don't need to add a lot, about 4-8 oz will make a huge difference.  Adding magnets would add weight as well and that could even further adverse effects.

[chuck]

While the magnets are fairly powerfull, the field effect rolls off pretty quickly.  They might interact badly with any loco that has any type of relay in it (horn, mechanical reverse, etc) and it will probably not play well with an Odyssey equipped loco that uses a Hall effect system for speed control.  The increased adheasion may cause more trouble than its worth and the magnets will definitely pick up stuff you don't want while moving around the layout.  I never found magnetraction to be much use in improving pulling power but I did find it usefull in keeping loco's on the rails in tight curves at high speed.

[jpelosi2002]

I've been experimenting extensively with Magnatraction and Neodymium magnets for the past year. An understanding in magnetic fields and the physics involved is a must if you plan on not wasting your time and money.

 I've begun producing magnatraction axles based on the same design as Lionel's original axles for F3 diesels and 622 series NW2s. I've got designs for retrofitting popular non-magnetraction locos, but have just started fixturing for production. The kits will be affordable and very effective and save you the time and money of trying to figure out this sometimes very confusing science.

Let me just say that slapping a magnet on a motor truck will not give you the results you're looking for.

Jim 

[sulafool]

I believe Dale Manquen has been successful with magnets; if I remember, he has Beeps that will actuallly run upside down!

[dsmith]

Hello Jim,

I was wondering if you have any further information about udpgrading magnatraction on Lionel locomotives.  If you do have information now or are planning on it in the future, would you let everyone know about it on this forum.

Thanks,

David Smith

[SPFan]

I believe Dale Manquen has been successful with magnets; if I remember, he has Beeps that will actuallly run upside down!

I have one of Dale's Beep "kits" and it performs as advertised. It doesn't interfere with the operation of the engine at all but you have to install the magnets with enough clearance to allow for uneven track work.

I am considering getting some magnets to replace the ones in a 2055 PW SF hudson. I will keep you posted if I get the other needed part, a round tuit.

 

Pete 

 

[ezmike]

Jim,

Could your concept/product be used to add magnetraction to a Lionel post war 2026?

Mike

[BillCarlsonNY]

I am not sure where anyone got with this but I just ordered 8 x 2.2 lb 3/4" long rod molyb mags for a 205 Alco that lost its magnet. Note the orientation of the magnets are horizontal not vertical so I expect this to magnetize the wheels and not hold up the moving loco. I'll let you know how this goes. For