rjg

I received my couplers on Friday and generally I'm very impressed with how they work.

 

My only concern is the springs. These do appear to pop out quite easilly and whilst they can be refitted the fine metal can become "kinked" in the process.

 

I think each pack of couplers should include some spare springs.

I've only got one pair and both are now non-operational. The first one had the spring loose in the pack on arrival and the second has now come off the pip on the coupling. I've tried fixing them but the spring is, of necessity, so small that I am finding it impossible to do. It may be something to do with my hands not being as steady as they used to be. I can only suppose that the second spring became detached either as I was installing the coupling or in normal use, although it hasn't been used very much as a single coupling isn't much use on it's own!

Either way, I am putting the coupling project on hold to see if the Farish version has a more secure spring fixing. Anyone know when they're likely to be available?

 

Kato do make an uncoupling track intended for Microtrains couplers, with a built-in magnet. Has anyone tested that with Dapol couplers yet?

I've got one in the post to me. I'll give it a try when I've got a pair of working couplings.

I received mine today and, unfortunately, one of the springs was loose in the pack. I have yet to risk attempting to replace it.

I was planning on initially installing the magnet in my Kato test track. Interesting to hear that it won't work mounted underneath as that was where I was going to start. Looking at the thickness of the magnet, I think it might fit OK if the sleepers are filed flat.