[roadwater]

I am about to build a small EM gauge layout and am thinking about what coupling system to use for the rolling stock etc. On my existing OO gauge layout, I have used the Sprat & Winkle system, and it has proved reliable, although I'm not too keen on the large size of the coupling hooks and the need for a wire across the buffers. Has anybody any experience of using the DGE system (available from Wizard Models)? If so, I would be grateful for observations on its reliability and how obtrusive it is. Pictures of locos/ rolling stock, with DGE couplings installed, would be particularly welcome.

I guess that some people will suggest the Alex Jackson system, which has a lot to commend it, but, with my advanced years, worsening modelling skills and the desire to get the layout up and running, before my remaining skills finally desert me, I am reluctant to go down this route, unless no suitable, unobtrusive solution presents itself.

Thanks, in advance, for any observations members of this forum can offer.

 

[34C]

If going the kit coupling route is definitely what you have decided on, then my suggestion would be to also consider the Dingham type. This combines the very great benefits of the most likeness to three link/screw link among kit autocouplers, with the correct coupler position in the bufferbeam.

It is quite possible to use the Kadee type DIY mounted correctly in the buffer beam, reshaping the dropper to maintain full magnetic autocoupler capability. As with the Dingham, this looks very well on prototypes which are equipped with knuckle (Janney) couplers; simply by looking more like the prototype coupler than any alternative.

 

[roadwater]

Many thanks for your comments, 34C. I must admit that I have never heard of Dingham type couplings, but, having looked at their website, they do look promising.

I am not, necessarily, wedded to a kit based coupling, but I am looking for something that is as unobtrusive as possible and would not look 'out of place' on British steam era locos and rolling stock. I also want something which has reasonable reliability. If there is anything on the market, which meets these criteria, and comes ready assembled, I would be interested. I hope to spend a fair bit of time and effort producing models which are as close to prototype as possible and I do not want to spoil the effect by using any of the 'standard' couplings available from the major manufacturers. I might, in the end, opt to go for 'scale' screw, instanter and 3 link couplings, with manual coupling and uncoupling, but automatic coupling would be preferable.

Thanks again for your suggestions - much appreciated.

 

[Mr N. Ladd]

Look at the replies to the couplings post in the Hornby section above. Many have spent time to post and there are many links to sites that provide couplings etc.
Hope this helps.

 

[roadwater]

Many thanks, Mr Ladd. Some interesting food for thought in the Hornby couplings section. I'm tempted to give the Dingham couplings a try.

 

[Mr N. Ladd]

Will be good to hear how you get on. Best test the couplings first on spare wagons to see what you think.

 

[roadwater]

I promise to let you know how I get on, in due course. I've already identified a few wagons that should be easy to convert to EM and then have the Dinghsm couplings fitted.
I'll add a few photos, if I can work out how to do it!!

Thanks for the advice.