Just a quick update to my previous blog,

I did a bit of "googling " (is that the right phrase??), yesterday, with regard to using magnets in multiple and finding information on the most efficient number to use, or if it was possible to improve there magnetic effect/ ways to increase there strength.

Decided that two magnets paired together would be enough for each uncoupler, along with the steel plate ( supplied with each magnetic catch to go on the supposed cupboard frame and attract said door to it) fitted below to increase the "pull power".

It seemed to work and so I suddenly had 10 spare magnets - hmmmm...where could I usefully use them.

First, an extra magnet was fitted just on the approach to the cattle dock, as I realised it was no good uncoupling the cattle vans just inside the siding - when the actual dock is towards the buffer stops!!

Then, to the fiddle yard/hidden sidings, I decided to install four more magnetic units (each of two magnets with the steel plate under them), one on each siding, locating them just before the rail breaks for the isolated sections on each line - hope this will work ,- the idea being that the incoming train runs up to the rail break and is stopped, the push button is operated to power the short section to the bufferstops, and then the train is drawn forward slowly over the magnet - stopped ,reversed, uncoupled (hopefully...) then the loco runs forward to the stops and is isolated, allowing another loco to be put at the other end- well, at least that's the theory....Watch this space as they say!!!

So I now have 20 magnetic underboard uncouplers located around the layout - just got to get the new system working reliably now -and remember where they are positioned...

I suspect this is easier said than done and am preparing myself for many hours of 'tweaking' and adjusting the B.K pattern hooks.

It would have been nice maybe to consider using Kaydee couplings, but they do not look very 'English' to my eyes - more importantly I don't think they would work very well around 22 inch radius curves (buffer-locking??) so probably not really a good option - also expensive, it would have cost me about £150+ to fit all my stock with them, along with the cost of half a dozen electro uncouplers!

Oh well - you live and learn!!

Thanks for reading- comments and criticism are always welcome,

Regards

SIGTECH (Steve).

Edited to remove minor error - I have no intention of fitting all my socks with K.D's......lol