Another thing to consider when evaluating options is the cost. The more stock one owns the greater the importance of such consideration. The price of the Dapol units have been checked against the Hattons website whilst the cost of the DG couplings is via the 2mm Scale Association website.
I currently have 72 frieght vehicles, with at least another 8 to make up and at least another 10 to purchase. Add to this a loco fleet that currently stands at 4 units, with up to another 9 to purchase.
Of these, 44 frieght vehicles are runnable with another 8 to make - none of these have the NEM pocket. This would mean I would need to purchase at least 18 Packs to convert these units to NEM pockets (3 units per pack). Add to this the purchase of magnetic couplings to deal with 72 + 8 + 10 = 90 frieght vehicles and 4 + 9 = 13 locos.
I would need to purchase:
Pack for non_NEM couplings each @ £ 8.00 x 18 = £144.00;
Magnetic couplings (x 5) each @ £17.00 x 21 = £357.00
Total £501.00
OUCH!
The cost of DGs is £2.50 for 8 pairs.
I would need to purchase:
DG coupling fret (8 pairs) each @ £2.50 x 13 = £32.50.
Total £32.50
Both prices do not include the coupling magnets. The differences in the cost of these is negligible.
As can be seen a considerable saving can be made with the DG option. The problems I thought I was going to have fitting DGs to the Peaks was resolved in my last post thanks to a link http://neag.2mm.org.uk/2008/11/work-continues-on-my-farish-peak.html. The research I did for the telescopic hoods and the ferrywaggons confirmed these would be easier than first thought. Using the results above I will be opting for the DG coupling system.
The only problem with purchasing the DG couplings is the time it would take to make them up. There is a link on this site that shows a quick way to produce these. Obviously, once you have made the first few you get quicker as you make more.
I hope this might help others in making an informed choice between the 2 systems.
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