John W. --
To answer your questions based on what works for me:
1. Does it make sense to install the magnetic decoupling
plates (or whatever one calls them) immediately?
....Yes and no. If you will be using under-the-track magnets, yes. If you use
between-the rails magnets, then no.
2. How are these magnetic plates powered? Is the selection
also DCC?
....No DCC for these. Most of us use permanent magnets; some use
electromagnets. If the latter, simple pushbuttons on the layout fascia
energize
them. One of our list members (Paul Vaughn) markets a manual device that
raises
and lowers a permanent magnet beneath the track.
3, 4. Are they mounted under-track or between the rails? Does one ballast
over them?
....Kadee makes both. I prefer under-the-track because you can ballast right
over them, making them invisible. I use small piles of tie plates next to
their
location so operators know where they are. For between-the-rails magnets, I
try
to disguise these within road and pedestrian crossings.
I have found that no amount of pre-planning was enough to foresee all necessary
locations of uncoupling magnets. Therefore, I have both kinds. I still find
the occasional place where I need to install another magnet.
Dick Karnes
Mercer Island, Washington
4.
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