Hi Everyone,
I could not find another post about this, but I am trying to find a cheap(ish) option for uncoupling track. My layout is a mix of Gargraves Flex and Ross Track. I know that Gargraves sells an uncoupling track segment but I am in need of 4 of them and would rather put that money elsewhere. Has anyone made their own or found a cheaper solution?
Thanks,
Alex
Replies sorted oldest to newest
You can make one using the electromagnet from an old Lionel uncoupling track. One of the magazines had a piece on it. I believe you can also make your own electromagnet by wrapping wire around a bolt. Either way it is barely visible when installed. There are threads on it here.
I considered, and installed a few Atlas un-coupler sections, when the layout was new. With electro-couplers, (on the switcher engines), the need for these sections was very limited. IMO.
If you can get some old 6019 Uncouple tracks, or the more recent O-27 6-65149 Uncouple Tracks, you can cut out the center rail portion with the magnet and splice it into your Gargraves Track. I have picked up the old 6019 tracks from junk boxes at hobby shops for a buck a piece. I splice them into my O-31 Tubular track.
Steve
Making an electromagnetic is easy. I did it in 2cnd or 3rd grade with an old coil ,bolt and 6v lantern batteries. Kinda long though. Sewing machine bobbin spools seem ideal for a flat one.
My fingers were cheapest 👇
🚂🚃🚃🚃 🚃🚃
The trick is making one with the right characteristics. You can certainly wind it yourself if that suits you. Just measure the wire on a standard uncoupling track and count the turns as you unwind it. Using the same criteria on a sewing machine bobbin should give you a similar magnetic strength.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
