Chris_L Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 Hello Where can I buy the magnets that are put between the sleepers to uncouple rolling stock on a 00 gauge layout .. Thanks Rgds Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium TheQ Posted January 20, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 20, 2021 Amazon Ebay, Eileens Emporium. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 Small cube neodymium magnets can be used. Several will be needed at each location, but they cost very little. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_L Posted January 20, 2021 Author Share Posted January 20, 2021 Hi .. Thanks for the comments .. Could you please tell me the sizes etc you use ..and if you have a link that would be brilliant.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasatcopthorne Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 Firstly, what couplings? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dungrange Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 (edited) On 20/01/2021 at 09:40, Chris_L said: Where can I buy the magnets that are put between the sleepers to uncouple rolling stock on a 00 gauge layout .. You'll need to be more specific about the type of uncoupler that you plan to use. If it's Kadee, then they have a standard between the sleeper uncoupler that may be ideal for a fiddle yard - https://www.hattons.co.uk/78977/kadee_321kadee_permanent_magnet_delayed_uncoupler_code_100_/stockdetail.aspx However, if you don't want them to be seen, then you can mount them under the track but they aren't so easy as a retrofit - https://www.hattons.co.uk/78975/kadee_308kadee_under_the_track_uncoupler/stockdetail.aspx Alternatively, there is an electromagnet. Again, not so easy to retro-fit. https://www.hattons.co.uk/78976/kadee_309kadee_under_the_ties_electric_uncoupler/stockdetail.aspx The alternative is to use other non proprietary magnets and experiment with what you require to achieve reliable operation. That will give you an indication of what you need in terms of size and magnet strength. Edited January 21, 2021 by Dungrange 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Foden Posted January 20, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 20, 2021 I use neodymium rare earth magnets to operate my Kadees. As above if these are to be fitted unseen under the sleepers it’s obviously best to do this before track setting and certainly before ballast is applied. The exact ones I’ve used are two pairs of 20x5x3mm N50 magnets dug into a 6mm recess in the cork under the sleepers. The pairs sit just inside the four foot separated by a suitably cut size of plastic sprue from an old kit, in order to keep them apart until the glue settles. You can (and should) of course experiment with your own combinations to see what works for you. Consider also that the further the magnets are from the trip pins the stronger they need to be, and when selecting rare earth magnets the ‘N’ value denotes the strength, the higher being stronger. Don’t assume though that the highest is necessarily the best, as too much magnetisation can cause unwanted uncoupling, and in some cases attracting metal parts of the rolling stock, which can lead to some rather peculiar operational anomalies! As said above, best bet is to experiment. Buy a small selection of magnets (they’re quite cheap really), and lay them in a recessed section of scrap baseboard with a small tack of superglue such as they’re easy to remove. Then lay some spare track over the magnets and see what works best for your stock, and what you want to achieve. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_L Posted January 22, 2021 Author Share Posted January 22, 2021 Hi .. I have been recommended to use Bachmann couplings .. is that correct .. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dungrange Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 Bachmann couplings are not operated by magnets: they are of the tension lock variety as used by most ready-to-run manufacturers. Uncoupling works by physically pushing the part of the coupling that hangs down upwards to disengage the hooks. Hornby produce one - https://www.hattons.co.uk/6950/hornby_r617_uncoupling_ramp/stockdetail.aspx, but you can also make your own arrangement either by the installation of flexible clear Plasticard strips or make a tool yourself - https://www.railwaymodellers.com/uncoupler-tool-for-tension-lock-couplings/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Foden Posted January 22, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 22, 2021 19 minutes ago, Dungrange said: Bachmann couplings are not operated by magnets: they are of the tension lock variety as used by most ready-to-run manufacturers. Uncoupling works by physically pushing the part of the coupling that hangs down upwards to disengage the hooks. Hornby produce one - https://www.hattons.co.uk/6950/hornby_r617_uncoupling_ramp/stockdetail.aspx, but you can also make your own arrangement either by the installation of flexible clear Plasticard strips or make a tool yourself - https://www.railwaymodellers.com/uncoupler-tool-for-tension-lock-couplings/ In fairness, Bachmann do produce a very similar magnetic knuckle coupler to the Kadee called the E-Z mate, as far as I'm aware they operate in exactly the same way from their appearance. I've read they're generally inferior, and more fragile, although I couldn't honestly say myself what they are like in operation, as I've never used them, nor do I know if they are compatible with Kadee branded couplers (I suspect they are). The copies never seem to have taken the world by storm though, with the Kadee always seeming to be the most popular, which maybe tells its own story. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasatcopthorne Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, Chris_L said: Hi .. I have been recommended to use Bachmann couplings .. is that correct .. Sounds like you are thinking of the Brian Kirby conversion for Bachmann couplings. The are the only kind with a non-magnetic hook. If this is the case, use the following: Neodymian 25 x 10 x 3mm N52 strength in pairs end to end. Bought from Spider magnets. Choosing the right size for you is important. Too weak and they won't work and too strong and they will attract steel axles and move wagons. it may be a good idea to get a Sample Pack of differing sizes. You need the length to cover two couplings. The size I use are calculated for under board mounting on 6mm ply baseboard with 3mm underlay under the track. Works lovely. I mount then in the underside because I can mount them after track laying when positioning can be determined. I can add and remove them if needed. Good luck. Dave I Edited January 22, 2021 by dasatcopthorne position photo. 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_L Posted January 23, 2021 Author Share Posted January 23, 2021 Hi .. Thanks .. at the moment I am just looking for ideas.. As a novice it has taken me ages to lay the track .. but I finally finished the main line today.. ‘Rgds Chris 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philsandy Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 On 23/01/2021 at 16:35, Chris_L said: Hi .. Thanks .. at the moment I am just looking for ideas.. As a novice it has taken me ages to lay the track .. but I finally finished the main line today.. ‘Rgds Chris Chris have a look at this tutorial on YouTube, it explains how the Brian Kirby method works using tension lock couplings. 5 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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