Who actually has planted small power actuating copper coils, levered or stationary magnets under their trackwork to uncouple their rollingstock? I am asking this as it is percieved that everyone uses them to uncoupler rollingstock and locos. I have always thought of my operations as having auto un-couplers under the trackwork, but truth be told I don't really think it is worth messing with unless I personally am going to build a Time-Saver puzzle for timed competition. Now, my first question of the post is asking WHO ALREADY HAS PLANTED any kind of auto un-coupling devices into their modules or layouts? Not if you percieve or have always or ever planned on it. Who Has Done It? Please voice your comments here!!! ------------------------------------------------------- Hobo Tim
Hey Tim, I will give this a go. At this time I probably will not use them. My dream is to have operation sessions on my new layout that will emulate traffic between Helper, Utah and Provo Utah. This will be mainly run-through and helper service type work (utilizing block detection and signaling) for the people who will participate in my operation sessions. There will be a small segment on my layout that will require some local switching (Provo), but the main show will be 50 car manifest freight and 75 car coal trains that struggle up and down the Continental Divide. Regards, Jeffrey
SAMRA has over 100 of these electromagnet devices (H0 scale). Only five have been made operational and they are questionable for operations purposes. I think they can be made to work, but they will have to be precisely tuned, both track and rolling stock, for them to function. Some functionality will be required as not all the spotting places on the layout are accessible from the aisles. My two cents as I don't think a pick is a bad way to uncouple cars.
Tim I have placed small magnets alongside the rails on 2 layouts and several modules. I use 2 magnets one on the outside of each rail. They are very small magnets but are quite reliable in use, providing all the features possible from MT couplers. The magnets I like best are smaller than the Radio Shack neodimium magnets.
I have 2 small supermagnets under the track at all the locations required on my Timesaver module for switching magna-matic coupler equipt cars. My phones and DSL have been down for days now, so only at work can i check internet and mail.
Tim, The only layout that I actually have is a small one that I started several years ago, I laid the track, but never went any further because I changed what wanted to do. On this layout, however, I did plant 2 uncoupling magnets on the spurs to the yard. While I do not lan to finish this layout, I do use it to run trains and test locomotives and rolling stock, and I do use the magnets for switching operations and building trains. I like the hands free operation, and, when I finally do get my "real" layout started, I plan to continue using the magnets for operation. Dan S.
Tim, I use MTLs and Radio Shack rare earth magnets, but I find the MTLs works the best, but the rare earths are easier to install when the track are already lay. Also, the rare earths require very precise spotting to get the couplers to uncouple. One of this days I am going to build a yard where all I do is switching.
Will do Jurg....I am probably a year away from the design and completion of the actual layout. Currently my focus is on 1) procuring the period and regional rolling stock and 2) completing the layout design and operations concept. But I promise to keep the group updated. Regards, Jeffrey
Jeffrey, You are too modest. Jurg, take a look at the January/February 2006 issue of Ztrack. It shows Jeff's existing layout and a sampling of his rolling stock and locomotives. Jeffrey's layout also appears in Model Railroading Magazine I believe in 2006 as well. Here is the cover of the Ztrack issue with Jeff's patched tunnel motors. Rob
Magnets definitely have their uses. At my old club we had stationary magnets on every track at both throats of the main yard. It doesn't take much to get used to using them. All our switching was accomplished using these magnets. As far as electromagnetic coils go, why bother? With stationary magnets, you don't have any wiring to do, you don't have to worry about shorts in the coils and you don't have to flip a switch to uncouple. We won't even talk about any weird buzzing noises.
Rob, I've that Issue and I love Jeffreys great Layout and Collection but I want to see more, more,more
Hmmmm Jurg, Jeffrey is the only Z scaler that I know that comes close to having as many AZL diesel locos as you. It is cool to hold so many in your hands at once!!! Hobo Tim
