Officially unveiled at the Intermodellbau trade fair in Dortmund, Magnorail’s Generation 3 chain system caused quite a stir! A major innovation for the animation system that offers unrivalled ease of use and enjoyment !
Magnorail by Maketis: a system that is constantly evolving
Since 2018, Maketis has been the owner and distributor of Magnorail, a one-of-a-kind animation system. Magnorail’s magic allows you to animate everything from bicycles to road vehicles of all scales, making your scenes on a model railway layout even more realistic.
Our philosophy: always striving to do better
It is in use that a product reveals its true nature. And Magnorail is no exception. Right from the very first installations, feedback from model-makers, whether enthusiastic or frankly critical, has become the raw material for every improvement. At Maketis, we never ignore the real-world experience. Every comment, every difficulty encountered has fuelled a central question: how can we make our animation system even more reliable, easier to install and more realistic?
Limits of the blue chain
The blue chain consists of injection-moulded plastic links grouped in clusters of 12. During use, several points of friction have become apparent:
- A long and painstaking process: each link had to be carefully de-burred and filed down. Over a circuit length of 8 to 10 metres, this represents a tremendous investment of time.
- A fragile connection: the 45° interlock worked once the chain was in place, but the slightest movement could cause the whole thing to come apart.
- A purely horizontal movement: it is impossible to accurately replicate a speed bump or a slight incline in the road.
- A sensitive drive system: friction from the O-rings was sufficient under ideal conditions, but under the combined effect of the tension, the magnets and the cover sheet, the chain could lift up and come off its track.
One thing has gradually become clear: the Blue Chain excels on small networks, where simplicity is key. But for those who think big—with long routes, varied terrain and complex infrastructure—we needed to go further. Much further.
Generation 3: a burst of innovation
The Magnorail Generation 3 chain system introduces three major innovations, enhances the user experience and offers model makers a whole new dimension to their hobby.
1- Clip-on links
The Magnorail Generation 3 chain links can be easily detached without using any tools.
Then simply clip them together; the links stay firmly connected during installation.
2. A multidirectional chain
Build uphills and downhills with a radius of bend larger than 6 cm !
3. An anti-ejection system
With its slightly flared shape at the bottom and the new O-rings in our motor, the Magnorail Generation 3 chain stays perfectly in place for smooth and comfortable operation.
The Magnorail Generation 3 range
Find the Magnorail Generation 3 range in:
our new EXPERT Sets
- BF-10
- BS-10
- BV-10
our new Extension Sets
- UE-10
- UE-13
- UE-16
The multi-exit guide UK-10
It is also compatible with :
– All our nos cyclists, ready-to-run (KKa à KKj) or to build (EF-2) ;
– Our sliders (ES-1) and boat to build (EV-2) ;
– Our motors and drive module UMa-2, UMb-2 and UMc-2 ;
– Our accessories : SO-1, SO-2, SO-3, SO-6 and SO-7 ;
– Our track cover supports : from SO-9 to SO-14.
Magnorail: a whole world of possibilities !
Whether you want to bring a model railway, a diorama, a permanent display or a temporary display to life, let Magnorail work its magic !
At the Intermodellbau exhibition in Dortmund, we presented two very different dioramas :
With Magnorail Generation 3, you can let your imagination run wild! Set the scene for a frantic race between cyclists, help Father Christmas on his rounds, recreate legendary battle scenes, or create an imaginary world where robots rule the earth: there are no limits to your creativity !
With its clip-on links and multi-directional, anti-ejection system, the Magnorail Generation 3 track pushes the boundaries of model railways. Easier to install and smoother to use, it offers you unprecedented creative freedom.
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