What brand of uncoupling track to use with GarGraves?

http://www.gargraves.com/opera...ndspecialgauges.html

Why not use the same brand?

Bachman Action & Operating Cars

     These cars will operate with a remote controller. Needs no remote track section.

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com...ex&cPath=491_649

http://www.trainworld.com/manu...-Car-Remote-Control/

     The wireless remote will operate up to 24 cars, any where on the layout. You will not be tied down to a remote track section.

I use Atlas works great

Why not just use Gargraves??

Seems a bit pricey.  Twice the price of an Atlas uncoupler.

Here is a recent post on uncoupler track.

Does anyone have a copy of that article by Jim Barrett on uncoupling track? I do remember the article but cannot find it my magazine collection.

Just take the magnet button from one of these and cut it into your GG track.

Paul,

   Wild Mary has some good advice...Jim Barrett in O Gauge Railroading Magazine had a great article several years ago where he showed how easy it was to take out the magnetic uncoupling sections from Lionel track. I think the article was so popular, they ran an updated version more recently (still maybe 3-5 years now). The uncoupling track sections can be found pretty cheaply at train shows or on eBay, I think I bought like 40 pieces for $20 a few years ago. To cut out the section of Gargraves track I would recommend a Dremel tool with a fiberglass cuting wheel. If I could do this you could too!

 Tom 

Maybe Jim can run the article again.  This question still comes up from time to time.

I have all Gargraves SS Phantom wood ties. I have used preformed curves in several places also. I use Gargraves uncoupling and operating tracks for a common look. I have slipped in a few Lionel uncoupling tracks also. I love it. The main issue is that SS isn't magnetic and the old Lionel's like steel for traction...can't have it all.

And this is what it can look like when you're done...

It takes a little more work than just buying pre-made ones, but they can be very inexpensive.

It's not that difficult:

1. Remove the magnet from the 027 section and cut off the excess center rail
2. Remove the same length of Gargraves center rail
3. Remove the center section of the ties to make room for the coil
4. Solder an extension to the coil wire. This is a little tricky and very fragile.
5. Add a Gargraves pin to each end of the center rail
6. Drill a hole for the wire and pass it through the deck
7. Drop the magnet in place and crimp the ends over the pins, solder optional
8. Paint to camoflage

These are perfect and have a controller. 

MTH ScaleTraxT - 15" Operating Track Section
Product Number: 45-1035     M.S.R.P. $ 24.95

I have also cut out the un-couple magnet from Lionel 0-27 track as shown above and inserted into my O Gauge Tubular Track.  I have cut the magnets out of the older 6019 Remote Control Track Sections and the newer 6-65149 which is shown in the picture above.

Steve

Elliot that looks great. I may just have to steal that idea for the industry side of the layout when we get to it.

Except for the price! I've been picking up the 027 magnets for about $2 - $3 ea, and throw in the labor for free. You can pick up momentary push buttons for under a buck, but I was thinking of using a panel with a "hot probe" and touching it to carriage bolt heads to complete the circuit.

Elliot, your approach looks great; far better than removing the electromagnet from the track section which is what I did on my layout years ago.

By all means Doug, steal away. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That's what the forum is here for.

The drawback to using this remote is that all your operating cars must be Williams.

This won't work with Lionel or MTH operating cars.

Lee Fritz