What's "dual magnet" uncoupling?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’ve watched Chuck Davis’s video of his yard work on the Lehigh Valley in the hope of seeing some new uncoupling technique that uses two magnets instead of one. If Chuck or anyone else knowledgeable could explain what’s “dual” about it, I’d be obliged. And if there’s something more predictable or secure or easy to install, I’d love to hear about that as well. Thanks.

2

I’m not sure but he may be putting a couple of those small neodymium magnets between the ties, magnets like these…

http://www.magnets2buy.com/acatalog/neodymium-discs.jpg

I recall seeing a Youtube video of someone using those magnets instead of the large Kadee magnets.

Here’s a vid with two rectangular magnets alongside the rails.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVU2YygIJ_I

Steve S

3

Like to know what magnets they use and where to get, looks like an easy retro fit.

4

It is fully explained in a sidebar with photo to his article in Great Model Railroads 2015 which just came out. He also wrote an article years ago for RMC about it.

Dave Nelson

5

You have your copy of GMR 2015? Still waiting for mine.

6

And, what dose it say???

7

Dual means he’s using two magnets rather than the one large one like the Kadee. The 2 small cylindrical magnets are mounted vertically near the inside of the rails and they pull the metal glad hands outward and open the knuckles. Seems pretty obvious and simple.

I’ve used the system for years and they’re cheap, reliable and very unobtrusive. Unless you mark the rails it’s pretty easy to lose sight of where they are. I put a drop of paint on the outside of the rail where the magnets are located. The really nice thing is they can be located on an already built railroad with almost no effort or mess. They can be adjusted up & down for maximum uncoupling ability. Place a drop of glue on them after installation.

The magnets are available from K&J Magnetics. The size he (and I) use is the D24.

Roger Huber

8

here’s a pdf that may answer your question: Dual Magnet Uncoupling

9

There’s a good article about dual-magnet uncoupling in the November 2008 Railroad Model Craftsman Magazine.