Magnorail

MAGNORAIL is the original animation system for model railways, making street and water scenes visibly alive: An invisible chain with magnets runs beneath the surface and moves cyclists with realistic pedal movement, cars (even without rotating wheels), and boats – from H0 to Z scale. The system was developed in the Netherlands in 2011/2012 and has been continuously optimized ever since (including a lighter, blue chain; starter packs with multiple motor options). At the end of 2018, MAKETIS acquired the brand and continues to operate it as a manufacturer/publisher with a broad product range. How it works: A flexible plastic guide (16 cm segments) holds a magnetic chain driven by a 12 V DC motor with adjustable speed. A thin surface layer (road surface, water surface) above is sufficient for the magnets to move along with vehicles/objects. The H0 cyclists get their pedal action via a transparent drive disc that creates the leg rhythm – a real crowd-pleaser at the Intermodellbau Dortmund trade fair. Range & Sets: Basic and Expert Starter Sets (including chain, guide, drive, motor; variants include H0 cyclists ready-to-run or vehicle sliders). Drive modules in Slow/Medium/Fast, Reverse loops, Extension tracks, Magnets/Sliders, Power supplies. Figures & Bikes (H0), including Postman, Policeman, MTB rider, seasonal specials – as a Kit or Ready-to-Run. Tutorials/FAQ facilitate implementation; The community pages show application examples and news. Advantages over motorized car systems: No vehicle drive required – only the underground track drive is powered. Faster vehicle change & across scales (H0, TT, N, Z). Realistic H0 scale cyclist with real pedal stroke as a unique selling point.

Practical tip: For long distances or opposing lanes, additional drives and turning loops can be combined; the road surface should be thin and smooth so that bikes/sliders run optimally.