I had started to use Micro-trains couplers. However, Both Dapol and Bachmann announced similar looking couplers that fit into NEM pockets that seem to be fitted to most new rolling stock. So it made sense to give them a try!
Bachmann, despite announding they would produce something, seem not to have released any couplers. Micro-trains had apparently indicated they would produce an NEM pocket variant, but that seems not to have materialised. However the Dapol variant is now readily available and seems to be supplied with many models when new. In principle, the Dapol couplers should work with either manufacturer since the NEW pockets should be standardised.
The Dapol coupler is physically larger than the Micro-trains, and is designed to be fitted at lower height. The two are NOT inter-operable: this means you should not expect them to couple together. I had already found that the Micro-trains product couldn't be fitted to UK rolling stock at the "correct" height because it fouled the buffer beams so I'd set about using a lower height standard. The Dapol ones are lower still. (Perhaps the height issue is why Micro-trains have not released something??)
Not the best picture in the world, but here are three couplers:
Left - the new Dapol magnetic coupler fitted to a Bachmann model
Middle - a Micro-trains coupler on a Micro-trains US model
Right - a Micro-trains coupler fitted to a Bachmann model at lower height.
 |
Here's a picture of the new Dapol coupler alongside my modified Micro-trains height gauge (which was already lower than the standard height). The difference is clear (the coupler on tihs model may be drooping slightly, but nevertheless there is a clear difference). |
Dapol also supply NEM conversion kits to add NEM pockets to non NEM chasiss models. That means almost all of mine. I'll look next at how effective those conversions are. Given that essentially all new models have the pockets, this does seem to be the way to go.
For tests I have a pack of medium shank couplers. When fitted to the class 350 "Desiro" model the train will easily go round my smallest radius bend (just under 300mm radius). This suggests that the long shank couplers won't be needed. Operationally, they seem to function similarly to the Micro-trains ones when run over a Micro-trains magnet on a test track; I haven't done any "proper" testing.