Update...Gargraves Uncoupler/Unloader Question

for continuity of the appearance  I would go Gargraves

I agree. Gar Graves uncoupling track for looks.........Paul

You can put two or more sections of Gargraves uncoupling tracks together using five track pins and can extend the length of the uncoupling track and use only one control for it.

Lee Fritz

Why would you need to extend the length of the uncoupling/unloading track? I can only think of one operating car (twin bin dump car) that could take advantage of extended control rails. 

I have a MTH VO1000 switcher that didn't run well over Gargraves uncouplers. The pickup rollers were a larger diameter and would bottom out and lift the wheels when going over the uncouplers. It was a simple task to change out to smaller diameter pickup rollers. Other than that one locomotive, I had no issues. I do like the look and the shorter length of the GG uncoupler.

Gilly

While I agree that the Gargraves uncoupling track looks much better when used with Ross or Gargraves trackage, the magnet in the Lionel uncoupling track is quite a bit stronger than the one in the Gragraves track.

I tend to use the old Super O uncoupling sections, when I can get them, even though they require a bit more work to mate with Ross or Gargraves track. They looks (to my eye) to be on a par with the Gargraves uncoupler as regards appearance, and are quite a bit more powerful.

A lot of good information. Thank you.

I use the Atlas uncoupler track section and buy black rails from Ross to make my own operating section as long as I like. Ross sells rail separate 

clem k 

I've done it Clem's way; and, also used the control rails LIONEL made for Super "O" track.  You can also use Super "O" uncoupler track--quite small--that mates with GG and Ross track; or, "roll your own" uncoupler by removing the magnets from LIONEL O or 027 UCS track pieces.

Barry wrote; "While I agree that the Gargraves uncoupling track looks much better when used with Ross or Gargraves trackage, the magnet in the Lionel uncoupling track is quite a bit stronger than the one in the Gragraves track."

Anyone else have the same experience with the Gargraves' magnet?

The Gargraves magnets are weaker.  I remember an article by Jim Barrett in OGR where he explains how he takes the Lionel magnet and puts it in Gargraves track.  I think he said he had a bunch of them rigged up this way.  Then you have the best of both worlds.

Remember, the instructions for the "long" GarGraves UCS section states it will only work on the operating Milk Car. For some reason it does not work with the PW dump cars.

I have inserted Lionel O gauge UCS tracks in to my GarGraves track. This only works if you are using cork roadbed under your GarGraves track. If you remove the cork roadbed and  insert the O gauge UCS section with Lionel to GarGraves mating pins the height of the O gauge UCS section matches the height of the GarGraves track.

The Lionel O Gauge UCS track works much better than the GarGraves uncoupling track or the GarGraves uncoupling/operating car track.

Richard   

I have felt that the Gargraves magnet is noticeably weaker. Really hit or miss on pulling down the thumbtack type uncouler on some cars.

I only put one on the layout after buying 5 or six.

Dan

I went the same way as Barry with some old Lionel Super "O" uncoupler magnates inserted into my Gargrave track.  I have a few Gargraves uncoupler tracks too and they definitely are weaker.  I also bought some old rusty Lionel O27 uncoupling tracts to butcher for their magnates.  I would use all Super "O" if I could find them.

.....

Dennis

Update...Email I received from Gargraves.

"The magnets are fine. Several years ago we started adding a metal plate on the bottom of the magnet which has enhanced the magnetic field. We had found that the metal being used in overseas manufacturing especially the thumbtack style couplers is not as magnetic as materials made in the US. The metal plate solved the problem and they work best at about 16 volts."