Ceramic magnets

[Tom Eisentrager]

Re article in June MR on the use of ceramic magnets Radioshack # 64-1879
Has anybody tried this and if so how do they go? I am a new N gauger and using Microtrains vehicles.[?]

[Don Gibson]

Since no one has answered this, I'll give it a try:

In this hobby ceramic magnets are primarily used for uncoupling cars. Since magnets are placed between the rails, the dimensions are very important so as to 'work' and not derail cars - so KayDee's ceramic magnets are the ones that are used.

I'm not into N gauge, but dimentions are even more critical than HO and any 'Generic' magnets (such as Radio Shack) would be highly suspect, as you may find out. Try one and throw it away.

[Don Gibson]

Since no one has answered this, I'll give it a try:

In this hobby ceramic magnets are primarily used for uncoupling cars. Since magnets are placed between the rails, the dimensions are very important so as to 'work' and not derail cars - so KayDee's ceramic magnets are the ones that are used.

I'm not into N gauge, but dimentions are even more critical than HO and any 'Generic' magnets (such as Radio Shack) would be highly suspect, as you may find out. Try one and throw it away.

[Tom Eisentrager]

Thanks Don for your comments.The article in June MR gave me the impression that they worked real well in N. However Radioshack have advised me that "due to various licensing and regulatory issues we cannot ship this item". That saves me the trouble. Will stick to the Microtrains magnet in yhe track.
Tom