Magnet trouble

[Duq]

I don't know how many of you have noticed but there's a problem with the current batch of train magnets. As you know the design had to change because of health and safety. The new design has a clever housing that allows the magnet to turn around inside it. Unfortunately the supplier seems to have made a change to the magnets, making them a fraction larger. The result is that often the magnet inside does not flip. The magnets appear to couple, but once the engine starts pulling they let go again.

I recently came across a video that shows the problem quite clearly. Have a look at this video from 08:00 onwards:

.

I've reported the problem with Lego and their response was: people need to report this to customer service.

So if you experience this problem please do report it to customer service. If they send you a replacement it'll be just as faulty as what you have now but until a lot of people start reporting the issue nothing will change...

[Locomotive Annie]

Health and safety, - when I think of the toys I had as a kiddie, tinplate trains with sharp edges and all kinds of things with small bits that could be swallowed; - wow, it's a wonder I survived childhood at all.

[Spitfire2865]

Ive found the magnets to do that as well. Though its quite easy to fix. I usually rotate it along the axis parallel to the track a bit. That seems to fix it. It is a minor inconvenience but I dont usually get a chance to run any of my Lego trains so I dont really care.

But for those who DO run Lego trains on a layout, It could be a problem for "hands off" operation.