How to Make Magnetic Track Connectors for Model Railroads

Setting up and taking down your model railway layout shouldn’t be a hassle. If you’re tired of fragile rail joiners or unreliable electrical connections, there’s a clever upgrade you can try: magnetic track connectors.

By integrating neodymium magnets into your model train tracks, you can create snap-together sections that are fast, reliable, and easy to maintain. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to build your own magnetic rail joiners — perfect for modular layouts and portable setups.

🧲 Why Use Magnetic Track Connectors?

Magnetic connectors offer several advantages for model railway enthusiasts:

• ✅ Quick setup and teardown
• ✅ Strong alignment of track sections
• ✅ Reliable electrical contact (when using conductive magnets or paired with contact pins)
• ✅ No wear and tear like traditional joiners
• ✅ Perfect for modular and exhibition layouts

🛠️ Materials You’ll Need

• Small neodymium disc magnets
  – Suggested size: 3×1 mm, 4×1,5 mm, or 5×2 mm
  – Preferably nickel-coated for conductivity
• Drill or Dremel tool (to recess magnets into rail ends or baseplates)
• Super glue or conductive epoxy (depending on use case)
• Polarity tester or another magnet (for orientation)
• Rail joiners or connectors (optional, if combining methods)

🔧 Step-by-Step: Creating Magnetic Track Joiners

Step 1: Choose the Connection Points

Decide whether you want magnets to:

• Simply align track segments (mechanical connection), or
• Also transfer power (electrical connection)

The method below works for both.

Step 2: Prepare the Track Ends

At the ends of each track segment:

• Clean any paint or oxidation
• Optionally, drill a shallow recess on the underside or inside edge of the rail base to fit a small disc magnet

Step 3: Check Magnet Polarity

Test magnet orientation so that tracks attract, not repel. Mark the poles (e.g. with a Sharpie) to ensure consistency.

💡 Tip: Use opposite poles facing outward on each side of a track section so connections align every time.

Step 4: Glue Magnets into Place

Use:

• Super glue for mechanical-only connections
• Conductive epoxy if you want to pass electrical current through the magnets

Let dry thoroughly before testing.

Step 5: Test Alignment and Connection

Place two segments together. They should “click” into place. If using conductive magnets, test voltage continuity across the joint.

⚡ Optional: Improve Electrical Contact

If using magnets for power transfer:

• Use flat nickel-coated magnets with good surface contact
• Solder a thin wire from the rail to the magnet underside
• Or, use spring-loaded contact pins in combination with magnets

Note: For high-current applications (e.g. DCC), use magnets to align and add wires for power.

🧠 Applications and Layout Types

• Modular club layouts – quick and repeatable assembly
• Temporary home layouts – easy storage between sessions
• Portable/exhibition layouts – fast setup on the go
• Custom accessories – magnetic bridges, crossings, or add-on scenery

🛒 Recommended Magnets from Yourmagnets.net

We stock small neodymium magnets ideal for model rail applications:

🔹 3×1 mm Disc Magnets – Great for HO/N scale
🔹 4×1,5 mm Conductive Magnets – Good contact for low voltage
🔹 5×2 mm Neodymium Magnets – Stronger hold for larger tracks
🔹 Rubber-coated Magnets – For non-conductive alignment parts

In Summary

Magnetic track connectors make your model railroad more modular, reliable, and fun to set up. Whether you’re aligning segments or transferring power, small neodymium magnets offer a sleek, efficient solution that’s perfect for modern layouts.

Try them in your next project — and take your train system to the next level!