Magnetraction

Good point... hence the fact that MagneTraction is less effective on GarGraves track because there are no steel ties, not because they are missing to complete the magnetic "loop." There is just less material under the axles to be attracted to.

This can be tested by placing extra ties under the running rails longitudinally instead of laterally, leaving the "circuit" open.

And yes, those fancy MagneTraction illustrations by Lionel did a good job of selling the feature... just like the pink-coated stomach cartoon animation did for Pepto-Bismol.

JJ posted:

How then can magnetraction work with Gargraves wood ties??

 

The same way a magnet can attract a paper clip.

There's still a magnetic attraction, just not as strong as if there were steel ties.

Rusty

A magnetic field can exist in free space or in a material such as air, iron or steel. In the case of magne-traction, the magnetic field has the same shape, whether or not the metal ties are present. The magnetic force acts between the wheels and the rails.

MELGAR

JJ posted:

According to a Lionel publication Magnetraction works by having a magnet associated with the wheels. The north pole is on one wheel and the south pole on the other.

The magnetic flux is carried through one wheel down to the outside track then across the steel tie to the other outside track and up to the other wheel thus completing a "circuit" of continuous magnetic force

How then can magnetraction work with Gargraves wood ties??

 

JJ,

A month or so ago I had posted pics of a PW Lionel steamer with Magne-traction holding up a tubular track section. I also posted a pic of a PW Lionel diesel switcher doing the same. 

Perhaps someone with access to a similar length piece of Gargraves with ferrous metal rails could try the same thing for us? This would put the metal tie controversy to bed. Personally, I don't think it makes a difference. A single wheel on a Magne-traction equipped engine will attract a ferrous metal object without a bridge to a parallel wheel.

Lionelski posted:

Perhaps someone with access to a similar length piece of Gargraves with ferrous metal rails could try the same thing for us?

 How about stainless, just to make it fair?

ADCX Rob posted:

Lionelski posted:

Perhaps someone with access to a similar length piece of Gargraves with ferrous metal rails could try the same thing for us?

 

 

 

 

Fantastic, Rob

Thanks, this puts the metal cross-tie needed for continuous magnetic force theory to bed, I think.

Lionelski posted:

Thanks, this puts the metal cross-tie needed for continuous magnetic force theory to bed, I think.

I doubt it!

The Lionel Service Documentation Diagrams Show the magnetic flux benefiting from the steel ties - this is not to say that they are absolutely necessary, but definitely beneficial. This is where things get out of hand because it is expected by some to be a black and white answer. Bottom line is that the magnetic flux can travel with out the aid of the steel ties, but at a higher "resistance" (and thus diminish the effectiveness) whereas the steel ties are a much better conducter of the magnetic flux netting higher effectiveness.

ADCX Rob posted:

Lionelski posted:

Thanks, this puts the metal cross-tie needed for continuous magnetic force theory to bed, I think.

I doubt it!

There are varying grades of stainless steel.  The higher the grade, the less a magnet will be attracted to it.  Most kitchen appliances, if they have SS facades will still hold a fridge magnet.

The common grades of stainless are 304 and 316.  

Rusty Traque posted:

JJ posted:

How then can magnetraction work with Gargraves wood ties??

 

The same way a magnet can attract a paper clip.

There's still a magnetic attraction, just not as strong as if there were steel ties.

Rusty

Yep. Magnetism is a really sloppy thing, and a magnet only cares about "poles" when another magnet is around it.

Otherwise it just attracts (ferrous) metals willy-nilly.