Magnetic Uncoupler ?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have been saving the magnets off the worn out toothbrush heads of my Sonicare toothbrush. These things measure 5mm x 10mm x 2mm. I took two of them and glued them to the bottom of the ties under the rails. I tried a variety of car combinations to see how well they uncoupled them and the results were 100%. My question is, when it comes to the size of the area ( as in the measured distance along the track ) that magnetic uncouplers are effective how big should this be? I had no problem hitting the spot that just one set of magnets covers, but wonder if the more experienced among you have a preference? I can easily add another set if I need to.

Thanks

Brent[C):-)]

2

Hi Brent,

I use 3/8"W x 1/8"Thick cylindrical magnets. They work fine singly, but spotting is easier with two pairs in a row. 10mm is just over 3/8".

Karl

3

A great idea, guys, let’s all buy new toothbrushes every two weeks!!! No track decay!! Seriously, I didn’t know my brush had magnets, just wasn’t thinking that way. However, my layout, which is pretty much complete now is liberally sprinkled with Kadee magnets for uncoupling on all three decks. I do have to wonder how quick those toothbrush heads wear out. Seems like it would take a long time to accumulate enough to use on the layout.

Another example of how creative model railroaders are. I am kidding you a little, but it really is a good example.

Bob

4

Assuming they’re replaced on dentist-recommended schedules … 3ish months or so.

5

LION takes the Magnets from discarded hard drives. As a network administrator, I have plenty of dead drives, and I never throw them out. I take them apart to save the magnet and the data disks. The data disks are pretty and I have a big stack of them. And nobody can steal the data from them any more. Well maybe the FBI can but I do not have to worry about them. The magnets do have an orientation and so you will have to play with them to assure that they work. They also hold tools and have many other uses.

ROAR

6

Thanks Karl. I’ll add an extra set as I am sure it will work even better. The one pair work very well.

We have four people in the house and change the heads two or three times a year. I always make sure the kids use their Sonicare, that way the magnets become a steady supply. My ten year old daughter (the artist) uses them to make fridge magnets. They are incredibly strong for their size, her monster creations hold fast to the fridge.

The only issue is getting them off the head, it can be quite a wrestling match with the pliers. Sometimes it feels like I am pulling a stubborn tooth out.[(-D]

Brent[C):-)]