I just converted a williams scale baldwin ten-wheeler to TMCC and railsounds, and I noticed that the magnet that activates the reed switch gets stuck to the metal piece that holds the pickup roller on the tender. I glued a wooden dowel between that piece and the truck side frame to try to prevent this, but the wheel keeps getting stuck and preventing the chuff sound from happening. Is this a common problem with these upgrades? I'm wondering what I should do.
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It depends on the truck design. I can suggest two options. Buy a thinner magnet. K&J Magnetics has them. Or drill the wheel so you can sink the magnet. Maybe others can offer simpler solutions. Others will no doubt suggest more expensive options.
Pete
I've installed ERR Cruise with the reed switch and magnets and have not had any issues with it. But I have not done it to a Williams engine. Hopefully someone has an answer for you.
RAY
Pete has the solution, get the 1/32" thick magnet from K&J. If there's too much side-to-side slop in the axle, you can also use a shim there to prevent it from getting too close to the frame.
Thank you all for the suggestions. I just bought a 1/8" diameter by 1/32" thick magnet from K&J. I'll post an update once I've installed it.
If the 1/8 don’t work go to Dallee Electronics. They sell tiny magnets that work very well.
Rod, he's getting a 1/32" thick magnet, I'm sure Dallee doesn't have anything smaller. I venture to say, they probably get their magnets from a place like K&J Magnetics. The bonus is K&J will be MUCH cheaper than Dallee for the magnets!
The magnets Dallee sell with their reed switch are: 0.2 Inches x 0.12 Inches X 0.05 Inches, $15 with a reed switch.
K&J has ten of them for $1.10, 1/8" in diameter and .032" in thickness.
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The K&J magnet solved the problem! Thank you all for your help.