Hot Water posted:MTHPRRGURU posted:I was doing a search and i couldnt find the answer to a question in regards to Kadee coupler conversion. I want to convert my O scale passenger car fleet to Kadee couplers, but i also want to be able to use my MTH uncoupling sections i have installed in my layout. Does anybody know if the couplers will "operate" on the MTH RealTrax uncoupling track section or if my only option is to retro fit and install the uncoupling magnets offered by Kadee.
Only the magnets offered by Kadee will uncouple O-Scale Kadee couplers. Neither Lionel nor MTH electric in-track devices will work on Kadee couplers.
Well, not entirely true. Any permanent magnet will work, but they must be properly sized and properly mounted in order to work............. well, properly.
I did a lot of experimentation about 15 years ago on finding an alternate method of magnets for uncoupling N-scale Micro-Trains cars, but only because I absolutely didn't like the Micro-Trains uncoupling magnets. Mainly due to the fact that they were an absolute royal pain to install and mount in any n-scale track at that time (and still are if they still sell them). I did come up with a successful system using neodymium (rare earth) magnets to do the uncoupling chores. The neodymium magnets were strong enough that they even worked very well when mounted underneath of Bachmann E-Z Track or Kato Unitrack plastic roadbed (hidden from view)!
I've got the magic formula for N-Scale, but since I currently don't have any O-scale Kadee couplers, I don't know what will work the best. Some experimentation will be necessary. But here MIGHT be one such good place to start - I grabbed a 10" long piece of MTH ScaleTrax and playing a hunch, quickly came up with a 1/2" diameter x 1/8" thick neodymium magnet that seemed like it would have enough "oomph" to do the job. Actually, you will need two of these magnets for each uncoupling station - one DIRECTLY under each outer rail, straight across from each other. One magnet attached with the north pole facing up, and the other with the south pole facing up. The magnets need to be glued and/or attached VERY securely, as they are VERY strong and VERY attracted to each other! Experiment!
Once again, this is just a good place to start, some experimentation will be necessary to find the right mounting positions and the right sized magnets. Ceramic magnets will work too, but since they are not as strong as the neodymium's, you will undoubtedly need bigger sizes. Square or rectangular shapes will also work, don't necessarily need to be round. Experiment!
For track without built-in roadbed, you will need to drill or cut appropriately-sized holes in your own roadbed to hold the magnets. Or, if you can find some 1/8"diameter x 3/16" or 1/4" long neodymium magnets, you may be able to drill some 1/8" dia. holes in a GarGraves tie just inside the outer rails and mount these magnets. Don't know for sure, but I suspect they might have enough "oomph" to activate the Kadee couplers. Experiment!
Experiment and report back - we'd all like to know!!! 
