I was wondering who uses magnetic couplers and if you think they are worth the cost and time? As I’ve started laying track, it’s dawned on me that there may be a few not-quite-level places that are potentially problems for cars becoming uncoupled. Any ideas on this?
Do you mean magnetic UNcouplers? I think virtually all scale model rolling stock now comes with magnetic couplers as standard. I’ve had good results with the Kadee between the rails delayed uncouplers and the Rix magnetic uncoupling tool. I bought a pack of rectangular ceramic magnets from Radio Shack yesterday and I’m going to experiment with them under the ballast to see how well they work. I have no experience with the electromagnetic Kadee uncoupler or similar. I’ve also not had any problem with cars being “sucked” over the uncouplers that some people have written about.
It is not actually the coupler itself that is magnetic but rather it is the metal coupler trip pin (brake hose) that reacts to magnets installed between the rails or under the track. This allows cars to be uncoupled for staging operations.
As far as your not-quite-level areas go, why not shim the track so that it will help prevent derails or cars possibly getting away.
Don’t some wooden trains use magnets for couplers? One has to make sure the cars are in proper alignment or the couplers repel rather than attract each other. If the train isn’t too long and one doesn’t jerk the train too hard when pulling the train, the couplers will hold.
Mark
MO-picker, as the man suggested, level the track as unless you are using horn / hook couplers, it will always be problematic. If the high point is fairly localized, I would remove the bump with a knife (if the track is installed), or a Surform tool if not.