One thing we noticed running the AS Mk2b, Hornby Mk1 and Bachmann Mk2a on our club layout on Sunday was how much smoother the AS is. If you put a finger on the roof of each coach as they moved along the track, the AS felt almost isolated from the track.
There are, as well as the magnetic couplings, replacement kinematic couplings included for close coupling. Although it is stated that instructions are available on the AS website, they weren't there when I checked. However, when I contacted via chat I was told that these would soon be available.
Looking forward to the 2c!