Magnetic Uncoupler for HO Scale Kadee couplers converted to electric (Tortoise) activation.

One of the disadvantages of a permanent magnet used to uncouple Kadee couplings is that they can uncouple when you don't want them to. Years ago I made my under track magnets hinge down when not in use to prevent unnecessary uncoupling. I used fishing line attached to the hinged magnet, threaded through screw eyes to a lever to pull the magnet up. Gravity let it drop down when I didn't want uncoupling. I have just converted it to operate with a spare Tortoise slow motion point motor so I can operate it remotely.

[@Sorarse]

I have looked at so many different ways of using magnets for Kadee couplings. Fixed magnets have the disadvantage of possibly causing unrequired uncoupling, and KD's electro magnet requires quite a big hole in the baseboard under the track, and can cause problems if you turn it on for too long. This solution seems so elegant and yet so simple, and avoids the negatives I have already mentioned. You mention in a previous reply that you are using the Bachmann magnet, and I was wondering what size that is in order to try and source an even cheaper neodymium?

[@alantrains]

Thanks for your comments Sorarse (love your nickname). The Bachmann magnets are about the same size at the kadee delayed action magnets, so there is a big hole under the tracks. Sounds like a good plan to use neodymium magnets as they are so strong. I have tried the tiny neodymium magnets on an HOn3.5 layout and they work okay but I placed them under the rails and they don't raise or lower. Perhaps sliding them up and down in some brass tube would work.

[@Sorarse]

@@alantrains That sounds like something worth trying. I can see a lot of experimentation coming up in my future.

[@meltonpieman959]

Hi Alan, I have used Kadees for some time and find the problem with them and fixed magnets (or neodyniums) is the way they moved an uncoupled wagon due to the metal wheels used in the UK. I have looked at servo operated magnetic options but they are a little complex. Your method seems so simple.
As I have recently started designing and testing for a new shunting layout and I must give your method a try. Can you tell me what size/type of magnet you have used?
Regards David.

[@alantrains]

Hi David,
I used the HO scale Bachmann under track magnet with steel keeper plate. It is cheaper than the kadee under track magnet. I think neodymium magnets would work too. Just cut the hole for the hinged piece before laying the track, I didn't and it was a lot of fiddly work to cut the hole. I used part of the bit I cut out to put the magnet and keeper on as you can see in the video. I had glued the aluminium bracket on when I first made it, to operate with the fishing line being pulled tight, but it also worked with the tortoise motor. I put alfoil under the track to hold the ballast up. It's not magnetic and didn't effect the operation at all.
Regards
Alan

[@meltonpieman959]

@@alantrains Hi Alan, thanks for that. I have a Kadee under the track magnet that I have never used and I will give your method a try on a test jig. Obviously Christmas may delay the testing! Thanks again David