Re-magnetizing Magnetraction, what I have learned so far.
I have been on the hunt for a while for a way to remagnetize the magnetraction magnets. I was watching a James May video and saw a re-magnetizer he used on many 00 DC motor magnets. Since the lionel magnets on postwar engines were the same magnetic material I thought it should work.
I tracked down the maker and ordered a duplo magnetizer.
It was just a bit narrow, 1.5 inches between the magnets. I extended the wire for the 2nd magnet and made a new base so it would be 2.5" between the magnets.
Then on to my first test a 2065 steamer. I took off the linkage and was going to try and do it with the wheels on, but I found the rear wheel covering the magnet was loose and fell off. So the magnet in the frame was fully accessable.
I put the frame/magnet at 90 degrees to the N/S orientation and used a compass to test the magnet strength. It was 4" away when the compass pointed dead at the magnet vs. N/S.
I put it in the magnetizer and gave it about 6 quick hits. Two may be enough...
Did it work? Yes, the first time I put it in the system wrong and it reversed the N/S of the magnet. After doing it correctly I tested with the compass again. It was 8" away now when the compass pointed to the magnet.
I put it back together with some vibra-tite on the wheel and it holds the track well.
Could I have done it with the wheels on? As I think about it I would need a steel or iron shim between the magnet and wheel to remove the air gap to make it work better. Also I don't know how the spoke surface of the wheel would effect the efficiency of the operation. Something to learn as I go. The less you mess with the assembly after magnetization the better.
Postwar diesels have the magnets in the axles. They may be easier to do.
This method will not work on modern "permanent magnets". There should not be a need on these modern magnets anyway.
For full details my Magnetizing page.
