Dick Karnes wrote: > Leaving HO pins on HO couplers makes delayed-action problematic. The reason is that the bottom of the pin is too far from the magnet. <snip> Leaving HO pins on HO couplers makes delayed-action problematic. The reason is that the bottom of the pin is too far from the magnet.
Ed L. adds: A minor clarification if you please. I assume that Dick's comment above refers to using one #308 magnet beneath the ties which would be the normal way of using these products for the typical HO layout. However, unconverted HO Kadee couplers can, in fact, be made to work very reliably, including delayed-action, on an S layout. The secret technique is to use a stronger-than-normal magnet. With the stronger magnet, it is not necessary to have the bottom of the air hose right next to the magnet. It can actually be quite a ways away from the magnet and work just fine. There are undoubtedly many ways to get a stronger than normal magnetic force. The technique I use is to install two #308 under-the-track Kadee permanent uncouplers with one intensifier plate directly beneath the rails. The ties need to be cut out so that the magnet is just beneath the rails and not beneath the ties. I also usually figure out a way to made a grade crossing road over the magnet at that location, but that is another story belonging to the Scenery Department. So, using two #308 magnets with one intensifier plate, the Kadee HO #5 (and family) couplers work beautifully without any lengthening of the glad hand. The magnetic strength is a bit stronger than the normal Kadee HO magnets and easily overcomes sticky couplers. The coupler's knuckle springs open a bit more sprightly than with the normal HO between-the-rails magnet and normal trip pin closeness to the magnet. Been using them for years like this without any problems. Try it, you'll like it. Other factors to consider when using this method include the need to have non-magnetic wheels and axles. I use NWSL wheelsets to solve this problem. Not cheap, but work great. Also added weight in the cars should be non-magnetic. I use large brass nuts/washers glued directly over the truck-mounting screws for extra weight when needed. Be sure both the wheels and axles are non-magnetic. Interestingly, the stronger-than-normal magnetic force seems to have absolutely no effect on small (Heisler, etc.) locos traveling at slow switching speeds. The motor does not visibly slow down or act funny at all. The cost of HO couplers is less. The appearance factors are in the eye of the beholder. I like the looks of the smaller couplers just fine and the closeness with which the cars are coupled (a scale 3'). Other folks like the looks of the larger S coupler and also like (or are not bothered by) the greater distance between the cars. Each to his own on the cosmetic aspects. All I can say is that this approach works for me and it should work for you. Have fun...Ed L. The poll results are in....... To REPLY to the list, use REPLY ALL, to reply to the sender, use REPLY. I do NOT know if this works on all e-mail software, but it works on some of the most common ones. For those of you on DIGEST mode, all REPLY messages go to the list. Change your membership, change your message settings, use our CALENDAR, view shared files or photos, view the list archives, GO TO http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
