Guest bri.s Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 I wanting to use the Dapol n gauge magnetic couplings on my next layout And I'm wanting to put magnets under the track for hands free uncoupling ,basically dig a hole in the baseboard then lay track on top I think I have read that the Dapol magnets work better ontop of the sleepers ,or will they work sunken and I've read wrong (it's happened before lol) So If I can't use the Dapol magnets I was wondering what other magnets would work with the couplings and are powerfull enough to work when under the sleepers sunk into the baseboard and track and mabe a thin layer of ash ballast on top And if so where would I be able to get some . Thanks in advance Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted December 30, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 30, 2014 I have had some success with mini neodymium magnets that I bought on ebay. They were small enough to fit between sleepers. A row of 4 or 5 on each side seemed to work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bri.s Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 Thanks kris I'll have a look at those even between the sleepers is better visually than sat on top Thanks Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanders Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 I've had some success with the magnets buried in the baseboard, below the track, but I'm using fiNetrax, which is code 40 rail with much thinner sleepers than stuff like Peco so the magnet is much closer to the uncoupler. Normally you'd want the magnet to be level with the top of the sleepers for them to work reliably. You can use neodymium magnets but you need to be careful of the orientation and you'll need two "opposing" rows that pull each of the two couplings in opposite directions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bri.s Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 Thanks for the advice vanders I did at one point think of having a go with fiNetrax ,but I've that much code 55 I decided to wait for a future layout , I would love to one day build my own track and pointwork I've just ordered some of the magnets very cheap off of fleebay so going to have a play with them and see what happens Thanks Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted December 31, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 31, 2014 Thanks kris I'll have a look at those even between the sleepers is better visually than sat on top Thanks Brian I was able to use a small drill bit that went between the sleepers to lower the height of the magnets further. When you fit them you will need to glue them in place to stop the magnets joining themselves. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bri.s Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Thanks again kris I'd not thought about them joining with each other What glue did you use I've just got some of that gorilla glue but never used it would that be adequate ? Thanks Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted December 31, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 31, 2014 Dredging up distant memories, I think that I just used superglue. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bri.s Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Thanks kris I'll get some superglue if the gorilla glue don't do it Thanks Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomJ Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 I've put mine a bit under the sleepers if you see what I mean!! Basically I cut out the sleepers as per the instructions. I them cut a similar size segment out of my cork underlay. Using some cardboard packing I put the magnet between the rails so it was 1-2mm below the level of the sleepers. I then used micro strip to 'replace' the missing sleepers. Once ballasted it's very hard to tell there's any difference in that bit of track. The uncoupling is very reliable but less so in the delayed action so they stay uncoupled. This hasn't been a problem for me, I've just added a couple more magnets where needed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bri.s Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Thanks TomJ Sorry for sounding daft but are you Using the Dapol magnets? Thanks Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jintyman Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Hi Brian, A friend of mine has an N'gauge layout and he cut holes in his baseboard and glued Kadee between track (OO/HO) magnets under his cork. He uses both Kadee N couplings on some stock, and I know he's used some of the Dapol couplings too. I'm not up on N myself, but I know they're powerful as I've got them on mine. Happy New Year to you Jinty ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bri.s Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Thanks Jinty and a happy new year to you and your family I'll take a look at those Thanks Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomJ Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Yes I'm using the standard Dapol magnets. When I'm back on the computer (posting from my iPhone) I could post some pics if you want? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bri.s Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Thanks TomJ ,I'd appreciate that Thanks Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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