While I was buying stuff for the layout I was building, I purchased several Kadee #321 uncoupler magnets. My layout is mostly Code 83 track, and I didn’t notice that the #321 magnets were for Code 100 track. They are just a hair too high for code 83. I bought them several years ago, so returning them is not an option. Is there any easy way to use them. The only solution I can see is to Dremel the ties down a bit where I want to put the magnets. Any suggestions? Thanks
If you use their mounting jig, even with code 100 - They are still above the rail height! I would not try to mill them thinner - they will just break. I would cut a slit in the ties and mount them so they are just below the rail head.
Jim
Thanks. I didn’t mean to Dremel the magnets, just the ties. I should have been clearer on that. Looks like that is what I will have to do…
I think that it’d be easier to simply cut away the ties (just the parts where the magnets need to go, not what’s outside of the rails). Then use thin wood or sheet styrene to build up the roadbed enough so that the top of the magnet will be at the proper height.
Trying to mill the ties with a Dremel will just make a mess, and you’ll end up having to remove the ties anyway.
Wayne
Sell them on Ebay and then buy the right ones.
LION Dremeled the ties, and that was with Code 100 rail.
ROAR
i agree with removing the tie material entirely and installing the magnets on top of shim material to get the exact height you want.
before you get too far into this, have you considered cylindrical rare earth magnets? they have been discussed on this forum before and i have been converting all my Kadee magnet locations to the 1/8 x 3/8 size. i still use the old bar magnets where there is a lot of activity such as in my classification yard but all other locations are getting the cylinder style.
pm me for more info if you want to.
charlie
I remove the ties with a Demel tool as already has been suggested. Then attach the mounting jig which will hold the magnet at the proper height relative to the rail head regardless of rail code. Next apply a thin bead of latex caulk to the bottom of the magnet and press into place. Just don’t over do it with the caulk. When you press it into place you want enough caulk to make contact with the roadbed but not too much because you do not want it to squeeze out into the flange ways.
I even use the magnets on code 70 and code 55 rail. In these applications, you not only have to cut away the ties but also mill into the sub roadbed. Since I mount all my track on homasote, this is a relatively easy task.
Tom
Thanks for all the good tips.
Remove the ties the size of the magnet.Shim up the magnet to get good coupler action,& glue in place.