N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: tank63 on September 25, 2026, 10:00:41 AM

Title: DG couplings
Post by: tank63 on September 25, 2026, 10:00:41 AM
I've purchased some DG couplings from Wizard models. The issue I have is sourcing electro magnets to operate them as Wizard doesn't now stock these.
Is there an alternative?
Thanks
Title: Re: DG couplings
Post by: Will_J on September 25, 2026, 10:08:31 AM
I've never used it but Peco made an electromagnet for uncoupling, code PL-25. Might be what you need.

Will.
Title: Re: DG couplings
Post by: chrism on September 25, 2026, 10:38:22 AM
Quote from: Will_J on Today at 10:08:31 AMI've never used it but Peco made an electromagnet for uncoupling, code PL-25. Might be what you need.

If you don't feel like spending around £8.50 for each uncoupling location, you can make them yourself for rather a lot less and not a lot of time required.

1 sewing machine bobbin, around 25p each for metal ones, Plastic ones are often cheaper but do pong a bit after use due to the heat generated in the coil.

1 M6 bolt and nut, 80p each or less. Make sure it's plated steel, not stainless since not all stainless steels are magnetic.

0.2mm enamelled copper wire, around £5/100m which will do quite a lot of uncoupler windings.

I'll leave it at that rather than cluttering up the thread at this stage. If you want to know how to make/fit them, either ask here or drop me a PM and I can supply the details.

Title: Re: DG couplings
Post by: PLD on September 25, 2026, 10:48:44 AM
Quote from: Will_J on Today at 10:08:31 AMI've never used it but Peco made an electromagnet for uncoupling, code PL-25. Might be what you need.
Using B&Bs which operate on the same principle as DGs, I've found the PECO electromagnets to be weak. My preference was the same PK magnets from Wizard, with SEEP (now Gaugemaster) EM-1 as the next best.
Title: Re: DG couplings
Post by: Southerngooner on September 25, 2026, 11:23:52 AM
I've got a load of electromagnets as used on James Street that I no longer need, so if you're interested we could come to a deal?

Dave
Title: Re: DG couplings
Post by: martyn on September 25, 2026, 11:39:20 AM
Dave @Southerngooner

I might need a few!

Martyn
Title: Re: DG couplings
Post by: nabber on September 25, 2026, 11:47:11 AM
Quote from: martyn on Today at 11:39:20 AMI might need a few!
I've got a few as well, that I got from Dave then changed my mind - ended up using servos to move magnets under the baseboard.

Neil
Title: Re: DG couplings
Post by: tank63 on September 25, 2026, 12:36:40 PM
Quote from: Southerngooner on Today at 11:23:52 AMI've got a load of electromagnets as used on James Street that I no longer need, so if you're interested we could come to a deal?

Dave
I'm interested what make and how much please