so many questions, so few answers

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p14shooter

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I have many questions, but these 2 I can not seem to work out myself. I'll try to keep this brief, but jsyk, I have called, emailed, and asked, and I am not getting answers that match with what I am reading, so I am reaching out to the people who will know.

First, my local supplier seems just like he is wanting to sell stuff, without any real knowledge. Heck if he does not even know that the controller he tried to sell me does not have ac, even though he said it did, I don't really trust him. So moving on,

Looking to buy kato GE ES44AC (feel free to tell me this is not a good idea). OnlinedDealer tells me this will not fit with MT couplers. Online research tells me it will. Further research tells me it will, but with difficulty, so a change out of couplers may be necessary. I would rather buy something that is compatible then have to change out. So my question here is. what is everyone here doing for compatibility? And I say Micro Trains, as I have started to upgrade my rolling stock with MT, but somebody please tell me to stop if this is not the best decision for long term compatibility.

2nd, I am pulling my hair out with the magnetic uncoupler. On line dealers tell me that there is no delayed action magnetic uncouplers for N scale. I know this to be false as I have one from MT. Where can a fella get some? I have reached out to MT and they are not returning messages. They are not listed on their website, but I know they have them as they sent me one (as part of a coupler conversion kit). BTW I am talking about between the track ones. I see kato has some, but I am using code 80 track so I am guessing that I may just have to buy some and waste the track taking the magnets off. Any help anyone give me on the use of/purchase of these would be appreciated. I have read pros and cons about people using rare earth magnets and making their own, but I would rather get proper ones to start off with then frig around with things. I am looking for in track ones because under the track ones I can not seem to make work. (feel free to tell me what I am doing wrong with them) I have a pair of those from MT and they just do not work at all. The between the track one they sent with the kit works like a charm.
 
Here is a good discussion regarding N scale couplers and magnets...
forum.trains.com

Magnetic uncouplers - under track

I used the Kadee HO underground magnets on my N-scale layout, and they work fine with roadbed, track, and ballast above it. I haven’t had a chance to try others. But there are some considerations to using magnets, whether above or below ground. The knuckle couplers that come with some...
forum.trains.com forum.trains.com
 
What exactly are you asking? I am pretty sure the MT 2004 will fit an ES44AC.
Micro Trains makes and sells uncoupling magnets that go between the rails.
Worst-case, simply go to MT's website and order direct.
 




I successfully used some rare earth magnets for uncoupling on one of my N-scale layouts. At 1/4" diameter and 1/8" thick, I mounted mine in the cork roadbed, then laid track and ballasted over them. One disc magnet under each rail makes for one uncoupling station. They open MTL couplers with authority. However, since they are mounted under the track, that means placing them before laying the track, OR ripping up track to place them. Not a fun choice on the latter idea.

With that being said, you may be able to use some rare earth magnets above the track, but you may have to do some experimenting for the proper size and shape. Since rare earth magnets are VERY strong, you would want small magnets to glue to the ties. One pair of magnets will do at each uncoupling station. You might try some disc magnets and some block magnets to see what works. A quick search found some from this company, I'm sure other companies could be found also.
Disc Magnets
Block Magnets
For basic mounting, try gluing two magnets, side-by-side, on top of one tie and between the rails. Try to mount each magnet as close to its rail as possible. Shave off the spike head at each rail to help facilitate this, and maybe even use a plastic spacer between the magnets to help keep them separated. You will need to use VERY strong glue. If memory serves, you need the North pole up on one magnet, and the South pole up on the other.

Good luck if you care to give this a try, and let us know how it works out. :)👍
 
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