Just put my first Tin Plate Train ( MTH Christmas train) on the tracks .... my Gargraves switches seem to be magnetitly uncoupling some of the box couplers. Is this crazy or am I ?
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RickB,
GG switches do not play nice with Tin Plate, you may also have other problems depending on which engine/tender and rolling stock you happen to own. If you want troubless constant running with Tin Plate, use FasTrack, K-Line Super Snap (RMT) or Conventional Tubular to run them on.
PCRR/Dave
There are several types of Gargraves track made over the years. Do yours have a flat plate in the center rail where the center rail from the single side ends? Or does it have to bent rails side by side. If the latter, contact Gargraves. I had the same problem with electromagnetic knuckle couplers from the mid/late 40's. Gargraves sent me plates.
rickb posted:Just put my first Tin Plate Train ( MTH Christmas train) on the tracks .... my Gargraves switches seem to be magnetitly uncoupling some of the box couplers. Is this crazy or am I ?
Rickb,
We're all crazy! That being said, I would suggest a short term Christmas train fix. Put some electrical tape over the little metal shoe that triggers the uncouple rod. Or maybe a rubber band to cover the small contact on the trucks.
These couplers are triggered by an electric pulse to the two contacts, not by an electromagnet on the tracks. When voltage is applied, an electromagnet in the truck pushes the uncouple rod. You only need to cover the small contact on the bottom of the truck.
Worth a try....
Ed
Ed .....Thank You ! and yes we are all crazy, just ask my wife : ) Yes Yes ... the electromagnetic coupler. Your rubber band suggestion worked great .. the black electrical and tryied Tyvek tape didn't seem to be sticky enough to hold it up enough to make it through the Ross yard switches. I probably will never use the uncouppling feature. I will look for a more perment solution .... I may try a dab of JD Weld on the contact.
The OGR members and forum have been a wounderfull sourse for years.
Thanks Again,
Rick
Ahhhh, the sweet smell of rubber bands and success! Just make sure you have some spares for the Christmas season.
I started out with a Christmas Tinplate set a few years ago, and now I am building a small layout ( 1/2' x 4 1/2') exclusively for tinplate trains and accessories!
Enjoy!
Ed
I have backup good old rubber bans .... I am also using / testing some small, like 1/4 " round clear dental rubber bands ( doubled over !) I got on amazon a few years ago for some week Lionel knuckle couplers.
Uncle Ed ... checked out you web Pics ...Nice. ..Good luck with new layout / I have been attracted to it for years finally got some.
Rick
