magnetic couplings

[Galactus]

I am investigating changing my N gauge ELC type couplings on both my engines and rolling stock to the magnetic couple/decouple type with track magnets. I seem to have hit a brick wall as all the ones I have found do not appear to be suitable for my couplings.Can anyone help please?

[martyn]

Hi;

Try looking through this thread;

https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?board=138.0

There is a lot of information about the various couplings and how to mount then on all kinds of stock.

martyn

[Galactus]

Thank you Martyn, I will have a look

[ntpntpntp]

Peco ELC uses their own springless T-shank style pocket.  I have a feeling the general approach is to cut the pocket off entirely and fit an alternative which will take NEM (if you're planning to use Dapol EZ Shunt couplings?)

[Galactus]

Hi ntpntpntp,
Thanks for the info, does anyone know the alternative to fit to take NEM which certainly seems to be generally acceptable for magnetic couplings.
I have also been reading the thread suggested by Martyn and was really excited with the investigation carried out by Belstone which seemed very good but has stopped in mid 2019.
The more I investigate this coupling problem the more I realise what a minefield it is to try to resolve!!!!

[ntpntpntp]

@Galactus   It's not something I've done as I'm perfectly happy with the good old Rapido couplings plus I'm not keen on hacking my rolling stock, but I would imagine people cut off the old pocket and glue these in place

https://www.dapol.co.uk/2a-000-014-n-gauge-20-nem-pockets-for-easi-fit-magnetic-couplings-864

There's also this set
https://www.dapol.co.uk/2a-000-009-was-nspare9-n-gauge-nem-conversion-kit-865

I'm sure someone who's used these conversions can advise which set to use.

There may be other similar offerings from other manufacturers.

[N_GaugeModeller]

I converted most of my rolling stock using the Dapol pockets, conversion was quite straight forward,

Only points to note is use your chosen glue sparingly

And the pocket glues to the underframe and as some underframes are at different heights that affects the alignment of the couplings so you have to use the supplied shims to carefully match their height.

Other than that they all worked well.

Shame about the cost and the tendency to loose the odd spring, and its a fun job replacing them.

[Galactus]

Thank you for the information N_GaugeModeller