Magnet Yard Crew Figures for Op's

I want to be able to move my yard crew figures just like what happens in real railroad yards. So, i purchased a bunch of NANO Magnets to experiment with. This video shows how I went about adding these magnets onto figures.

[@JackOnTracks]

That is awesome idea! Now what if you put a magnet reed switch under the plate that you place the figure, so he activates the switch and when you remove him the switch goes back. Those magnets are so useful in the hobby i just did a video in using them to attach structures to my modules.

[@Jeeptruck1959]

I love that idea!

[@theknickerbocker5808]

Excellent idea Laurie. Billy the brakeman was doing a lot of running. I hope you do the same to the cab end of the switcher. 😀

[@scoopmmr]

I tried pins in the legs - doesn't work nearly as well as magnets. Using 2 x Nano's works best IMHO.

[@tropicalties3806]

I wish you were coming to the Springfield Massachusetts train show this weekend

[@scoopmmr]

OK, you buy the airline ticket from Australia (grin)

[@hirsutusi5536]

Neat solution for a removable crew member. As an alternative to a magnet on the foot, how about a steel wire in the leg?

[@scoopmmr]

Hi Hirsutusi, yes I thought about using flat head track spikes in the figures legs however not strong enough to secure the figure. I need to do more experimenting with this whole figures placements and discover the possibilities, Warm Regards, Laurie

[@dans_stuff]

Nice bit of movable fun to add, Laurie. Saves having pin holes scattered over the layout if have a bunch of common spots for figures to “be working” (with steel shim under terrain). Could you perhaps try a small shim of styrene under the figures other foot to level out the underside of their shoes? Not sure if that would make it any easier to stand?

[@scoopmmr]

G'Day Dan, I use a Dremel to cut away the heel area and make it level with the other boot. The Nano magnet is a little wider however hardly noticeable. Today I tried track spikes in both legs but they would NOT hold the figure securely on a moving loco so a Nano on the figure seems to me to be the best way. Regards Laurie

[@johngusterson7741]

Very good. How did you get the arm moving on the figure at fear of box car?

[@scoopmmr]

Inside the boxcar is a TCS FL decoder programmed to the loco number. Both loco and boxcar have F1 to work the brakeman's arm to move. His arm has a tiny wire allowing it to rotate 30 degrees and connected to a crank wheel on gear reduction motor which works of the F1 light function.

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

Magnets are a great idea. So many uses for them! Good to see they work thru plastic.

[@justn2trains]

Very cool, thanks for sharing🥳

[@johnbanicki7232]

Very neat idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@steverileyretired]

Very Good