First thanks to those who answered my postings concerning track plans and laying track. The information was very helpful. I should however included a little more information. I will be modeling in HO and using sectional track. The board which measures 12"x48" is approx 2" thick and appears to be made of balsa or a similar soft wood. I originally got it for working on balsa kits.
My question is this-In the past when I installed magnetic uncouplers (I use Kadee #5 couplers) I found that I got better results if I cut away some of the ties and mounted them lower between the rails using thin pieces of balsa wood as shims if it was necessary to raise them up. Is this the correct mounting method or should them be mounted directly to the ties? Thanks again for all the info.
I’ve had to do exactly what you described to get the magnets the right height. It seems that the little platic “spikes” moulded on the tie strip raise the magent too high. Kadee also makes an “under the track” type magnet that works quite well. It’s a little more expensive but it works well and since you are using a soft material for you base it would be easy to install…Take Care Vic
I have used the under-the-track magnets before. I prefer them to the others because they are larger and seemingly more powerful, which made uncoupling - at least for me - a little easier - especially in hard to see areas.
Hello,
I run N-gauge and use microtrains magnetic uncouplers on all of my cars. I found that the length of the magnet used would uncouple unecessarily while trains where moving. To remedy this and also to save a pile of cash, I got some small bar magnets about one inch long and buried them beneath both rails. Works great now and you can’t see where the magnets are located. I have had to put posts in order to locate where the magnets are. Should work for HO too. Magnets are about 20 for $1.00, alot cheaper than kadee’s magnets.
rob
I mentioned this on another post.In the April issue of MR,an article on Kadee undertable magnetic uncoupler which increases power of the magnet for better operation.The upgrade looks real easy to install.Imagine that!No,you dont have to be a electrician to do the project.Take a look its on page 102. horailfan