Using magnets for shut down area.

[Gymi]

I am putting a new track together and am considering using some neo mags glued to the underside for the shut down area. Has anyone else used this method, I'm not sure if it will damage the cars, but it will shut them down in a hurry. I have had problems using foam and netting in the past. Some of the faster cars still get away. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[dave632]

The problem with using magnets is all motors do not run the same polarity on their cars. Some have north on the right and south on the left and others are vice versa. This will cause some cars to stop quickly because the magnets are attracting and others to fly off the track because they are repelling. MaxTrax found this out when they tried to make a stop track. It worked fine until a car with the wrong polatity went down the track. Pancake cars use vertical magnets in relation to the track, and one would nullify the other.
I use 3' of dynamic braking which uses the motor as a generator, 3' of steel shutdown and a catch box with foam. I have stopped cars at 60+ mph with that setup with only an occasional body getting knocked off.

Stop strips

Catch box

[yellerstang]

I tried the magnets. Does not work consistently. You need a shorted section of isolated track as described in post above by dave632. That works.

[Gymi]

Thanks for the info guys. My shut down area is isolated. I like the idea of dynamic braking, I think that's the route I'm going down.

[dave632]

I would still use a catch box at the end of your shut down.

[Gymi]

Thanks Dave, I use one now and will continue to use one. Thanks again for the advice.

[dave632]

Anytime.