This question relates to the old postwar UCS O-gauge uncoupling tracks., with the round magnet (not the 027's which had a diamond-shaped magnet). On some of mine, the core in the center of the red disk tends to rise, until it reaches a point that it interferes with pickup rollers. I have driven it back down with a hammer and punch, but eventually it rides back up again. Anyone know of a permanent solution? (Note: replacement is not an acceptable option; these work too well.)
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Try Loctite.
Grind 'em flat. Will not hurt 'em.
I'm with Rob, try some CA adhesive on it to keep it under control.
Without pulling out the core, how does one get adhesive on it?
The liquid CA will run almost anywhere, I'm sure you can firmly glue it in without removing anything.
John & RJR,
Please do not make this overly complex. With the variety of manufacturers making rollers today we need to eliminate the need for worrying about these magnets. The problem is obvious, the magnet is too high, maybe since day of manufacture. The Lionel PW engines did not care, they worked regardless. The rollers we see today do not like these high magnets. Typically they cause the rollers to bounce, hit the frame and anything can happen.
Many of us have our RC sections, as part of our track plan, have tracks, ties and ballast all in place, not easily picked up if RCS section goes bad. In many cases, even the red plastic was manufactured as too high. So beating the magnet back, slopping glue around if the hard way to fix the problem. Trust me!
Take a Dremel tool with an angle head attachment, put a sanding pad on it and one by one grind the red plastic and magnet smooth and equal to or slightly below center track level and problem is gone forever. I have at least 10 of these sections on my layout, did what I am telling you 6-7 years ago when the modern engines started bellying up and layout has been trouble free since. All RCS functions work fine.
"get 'er done"
Not sure which solution is more complex, or will solve the stated issue. He's talking about the magnet rising with use, so grinding it down may not stop it from rising. What you're talking about is the fact that they're already sticking above the level of the track, which sounds like a different problem. I gather you don't have the problem of them moving?
I have never had a problem with the red discs on UCS tracks (RCS don't have a magnet). Just the core working its way up, and forcing the modern rollers against the loco, as Hugh says. Grinding would be no more a permanent cure than pounding them down. I hate to destroy a UCS track by taking it apart to see how it's constructed.
these tracks can be purchased for $5 at any train show.
Make your own choice.
I am out.
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