Magnetic uncoupling options for Atlas Code 55

[nickelplate759]

Glad that the revised placement is working for you.  One thing I haven't tried, now that the magnets are on the sides, is a magnet narrower than 1/2" so that it doesn't affect neighboring tracks.  This isn't an issue with industry sidings, but in yard areas it might be.  I am not at the point where I have to worry about it, but eventually I will experiment further.

In my yard (1 1/4" spaced tracks) the 1/2" magnet is just far enough from the adjacent track that it doesn't seem to bother anything.
However, there isn't enough room to put uncouplers on two adjacent tracks right next to each other.  If I had a 5/8" or so wide magnet one could work for both tracks....

[mark.hinds]

An alternative to electromagnetic uncouplers: permanent magnet uncouplers that drop out:



From: http://davidksmith.com/modeling/article-3.htm

That's basically what I did on my mainline (not yard or sidings), except that the actuating wire is replaced by a reach-under retaining toggle.  It is very easy to use. 

However, I never needed to use them because I had my MT couplers adjusted to reduce the "slinky effect" using a MT truck restraining spring on each car.  Now that I am contemplating switching from Shinohara code 70 to ME code 55, and from MT "pizza cutters" to MT "standard" reduced-flange wheels, this may change. 

MH

[JoeD]

MT used to make separate between-the-rails magnets that required cutting the ties out, and, on code 55, would probably need part of the roadbed removed.  They also used to make an under-the-track magnet that should work fine.  Cut a hole in the roadbed, put the magnet in it, then lay and ballast the track.

A HO scale magnet under code 55 might be strong enough to work, but I haven't tried it.

We still do   

[bbussey]

In my yard (1 1/4" spaced tracks) the 1/2" magnet is just far enough from the adjacent track that it doesn't seem to bother anything.
However, there isn't enough room to put uncouplers on two adjacent tracks right next to each other.  If I had a 5/8" or so wide magnet one could work for both tracks....

K&J probably manufacturers one of that width, you just have to make sure you choose the one where the poles are in the correct orientation in relation to how you want to place it.