[Edwin]

That article is a good summary but being American-based does't give the full picture regarding UK stock. I've researched this a bit but have yet to start changing couiplings, the situation as I understand it (and my understanding is not always perfect!) is as follows:

MicroTrains couplers can be fitted to the Farish stock that has the old-style coupling box. There are also Kato and Accumate knuckle couplers that fit in the same boxes, but these do not uncouple automatically so really only suitable for intermediate vehicles in fixed rakes (but they are cheaper and easier to fit). M G Sharp sells Microtrains and Kato but the Accumates are not available in the UK, which is unfortunate as these give closer coupling than the Katos.

However no MicroTrains product is available for the more recent Farish and Dapol releases which have NEM pockets. Dapol do a knuckle coupler but again it does not work automatically - I think it will just about couple to the other versions but the height is a bit different. I understand MicroTrains are considering a NEM version but haven't committed to producing one. Unless this happens there is no single solution for unrestricted coupling of NEM and non-NEM versions.

Tomix does some Scharfenberg couplers with mountings that increase separation on curves, but the mechanism appears too big to fit on UK bogie stock. These don't work automatically either, and judging by the force they need you'd probably have to take both vehicles off the track and pull apart or push together by hand. They also do a knuckle coupler with the same mechanism but I've never tracked down any info on what it will couple to.

 

[Edwin]

Yes I agree that MicroTrains looks the best but is not a universal solution in N. That's why I'm soldiering on with Rapidos hoping to hear MT will definitely do a NEM version.

Hadn't thought of replacing the trucks/bogies, I must look into whether any of the MicroTrains ones resemble those on my bogie wagons. Not so easy on four-wheel wagons or locos though...

 

[Edwin]

Following my post above, the couplings that fit within Farish coupler boxes are Unimates not Accumates. They are manufactured by Red Caboose and Model Junction stocks them in the UK - or at least they did until I cleared them out. These are good for close coupling within rakes but don't have any auto-uncoupling. I intend to experiment to see if they are any less likely than the Rapidos to uncouple spontaneously - usually near the front of a long goods train as it is nearing the top of a gradient.

 

[Edwin]

Your wagon has the "NEM pocket", fitted to all new Farish wagon designs launched in the last couple of years. The coupling doesn't have a spring but seems most unwilling to lift up for uncoupling. It is designed to allow interchangeable coupliings but there aren't many available to choose from.

 

[Edwin]

QUOTE (oscar @ 19 Nov 2009, 09:03) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>No, the coupling is an early Farish type from about the eighties. If you take it out, you'll find it's secured by a pin through a ring.

Pete
Oops, never seen one of those, must be before my time. Thanks Pete for clearing this up and apologies for any confusion I have caused!