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Magnetic Uncouplers

Rob P asks:

“I’ve done too good a job in burying my uncoupling magnets into the cork roadbed and covering them with ballast! I’m modelling NSWGR prototype circa 1910. How do other modellers indicate where their uncoupling magnets are located on their layouts?”

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Noel Riley
Noel Riley
4 years ago

On actual railways there is a railway worker who uncouples the wagons. I like to glue a workman beside the magnet. It works for me.

Rob Posener
Rob Posener
4 years ago
Reply to  Noel Riley

That’s a great ideal that I’ll use. Thanks.

John T Anthony
John T Anthony
4 years ago

Many times you can have the magnetic uncouplers by roads crossing the track.

Frank H
Frank H
4 years ago

There’s numerous things on real railroads that would look good and also show the magnet locations. Concrete bollards or posts, a pile of ties and/or tie plates, some trash, a barrel, cabinet, or, if you want to be consistent, paint a tie a slightly lighter color at all the locations.

Rob
Rob
4 years ago
Reply to  Frank H

More great ideas I’ll use.

ROBERT SCHWORM
ROBERT SCHWORM
4 years ago

Frank has the best idea and least noticeable. If you have several magnets in a yard, this is the least noticed way or you have a bunch of workmen standing aroudnd. Paint the ties a close color (just the outside tip facing you so YOU know where they are.

Frank B
Frank B
4 years ago

There are a multitude of perfectly valid miscellaneous items that would be lying around a switching yard that could indicate the position. Look at pictures of freight yards for original ideas.

Noel’s uncoupler figure is the ideal prototypical logical solution.

Norman Eddy
Norman Eddy
4 years ago

Put a post like a whstle indicator post or mileage marker in the middle of the magnet length and be careful how much you bury them

David Stokes
David Stokes
4 years ago

Boy, a pile of great suggestions

ho scale house

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