Today I’ve been putting together, and trial fitting Dingham electromagnetic couplers.

These are them fitted to a Bachmann 08. They’re a bit fiddly to assemble, but the instructions are clear and give good hints and tips on their use. I’ve seen a few 4mm layouts with them, and I’ve used a few previously on Bawdsey for coaching stock. Shelfie2 will be an eye level style presentation similar to Shelfie1, and as it’s a bit bigger I’d like to do the stand back at a distance thing. The operation will be quite straightforward, so I want to try and make the scenic section hands free and a good autocoupler will help with this.

So I’m giving the Dingham system a try, I like it as it’s quite discreet and looks a bit like a prototype coupling, certainly closer than most others. It is compatible with three link couplings so if it fails at a show, it’s not the end of the world, and it’s relatively inexpensive. To get the best from them the vehicles are handed, on this layout that won’t be a problem, and I’m looking forward to being able to sit either end of the layout at a show, and not be in the way of the viewers. Later today I’ll be trying the Hornby hoppers for the fitting as well as a couple of brake vans. If these first few work well enough I’ll do another two locos and a few more types of wagons.

Right, off to burn some more fingers!