Blue Plastic Tracks

Here we have some nicely done custom made, retro fit, 3D Printed Magnetic couplings. Not big and bulky like the originals.
https://www.jauce.com/auction/p728872342

What an excellent idea. I wonder if they still provide the same degree of movement as the hook and eye?

I don't see any flexibility at the point where the two magnetised faces meet, which effectively makes it the same as some of our early failed attempts at 3D printed couplings. These just reproduced the t-bar and hole on each end of an otherwise rigid connecting bar. I doubt the magnets would be strong enough to overcome any separation between the flat faces of the two halves which would result when negotiating ramps. Happy to be proved wrong!

Good points Dr Chris

I would agree with Chris, I did try to make a set, but mine had a swivel movement in the horizontal plane to allow for slopes. Generally they would work but they were a bit bulky in the first prototype. I then got distracted onto something else and the project got shelved, one day I may re-visit if people are interested, especially as I recently sourced some really powerful, but small neodium magnets at a good price which would be ideal as they are really strong...

(11-27-2019, 08:56 PM)Nigels Wrote: [ -> ]one day I may re-visit if people are interested, especially as I recently sourced some really powerful, but small neodium magnets at a good price which would be ideal as they are really strong...

I would be interested Nigels. I saw reasonably priced strong magnets on Ali Express. Look here: https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-n...agnet.html

this magnetic coupling is good for connecting plarail trains to wooden railway trains.

(11-28-2019, 12:57 AM)Finno Wrote: [ -> ]

(11-27-2019, 08:56 PM)Nigels Wrote: [ -> ]one day I may re-visit if people are interested, especially as I recently sourced some really powerful, but small neodium magnets at a good price which would be ideal as they are really strong...

I would be interested Nigels. I saw reasonably priced strong magnets on Ali Express. Look here: https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-n...agnet.html

Maybe if I get some spare time over Christmas I'll dust off the design and have a go at them