Dapol Coaches and light bars. (and their problems)

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

I have now fixed the couplings a different way and another video is coming to show what I did.

[@markcurzon5968]

bought some of these Greasley teaks. I can see now why the manufacture has been delayed another 6 months. Thanks for the video!

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

Hello Mark, I fixed the problem. I think that is the next video. I came to the conclusion I had some track issues and one of two poorly manufactured sockets for the couplings. I have since then bought some more coaches and they are perfect. Maybe a got a bad batch?

[@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932]

Very interesting Simon, looking forward to seeing how you have sorted the issue.

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

It will be out in a few weeks. I'm spacing the videos as when it's all built the channel is over. Got to spin it out a bit. I got the fix from a youtube video and it has worked out very well. Cheers

[@nevillehubbard7347]

Drooping couplings. Story of my life!!!! The lighting is good, and the train looks great, when it all holds together. You should expect stuff straight out of the box to work properly without having to glue it in place!!! The DC power issue is far more realistic than DCC as, even I can remember times when, on a rail journey, the lights dimmed, and at times cut out, particularly over points, during the late steam/early electric era!!!!

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

After further review I think I got just one coach where there was an issue. I have got more Dapol coaches since then and they are no problem at all. Just one unlucky issue now fixed.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Simon, I like the look of those carriages lit up, looks really good. I'm sure you'll sort out the coupling problem, as you have already indicated, was it all down to the Dapol design in the end? The detailing looked really good when you focussed in on the couplings. Its worth thinking about how to get in under the scenery to sort out any problems that may occur ....... eject visiting mice and the like!! I have a small rake of Hornby Dublo teak carriages, they come in pairs with a shared bogie, so no uncoupling problems between adjacent carriages ...... just at the joint to the engine!! These couplings are generally reliable though and because of the metallic construction they can be fettled with less chance of damage compared to the plastic models of today. Worth having a look at this channel to see what can be done with DC control on Dublo, this one shows how these type of couplings can be shunted. Lots of others showing maintenance and other tips. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX6ze36qp9x1pdE Good luck from Spain

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

Hello David. All fixed now and it was very easy. I think I just got one coach with a poor socket. You pull the coupling out and simply push a different type in and it's done. I read you should choose yellow light for older eras and white light for todays trains. It certainly adds a dminsion. As I'm going to illuminate the layout it makes sense to have illuminated coaches too. Teak, that would be LNER I think. The couplings on the larger models are really good if a bit on the large size. The modern OO gauge is less obtrusive and you can make them even less with a few tweaks to make the coaches run closer together. Seen it on youtube. I'll check out that video this afternoon. Cheers.

[@Alan-ln3ls]

Use Hunt magnetic couplers. Job done.

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

I did. Found some going cheap on ebay.

[@petepaine5331]

Hi Simon. It all seems to be coming along very well and it going to be a great layout. I do want to build a layout but haven't the time at the moment as Ive got far too much to do. I have started collecting a few bits and bobs though. Shame about the couplings although I did notice the transitions into the gradients are quite sudden. That may not be helping your problem. Pete

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

Hello Pete. I've done some more track work to make it better and changed the couplings for something else. Another video out in a few weeks to show what I have done. I've made some mistakes with the build and had to correct a few things as I've gone along. Cheers

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Simon. I have quite a few of the DAPOL coach sets. Did you have to use glue on the 2nd and 3rd coaches? Again, thanks for the tip on the couplings. The "standard" couplings used for N gauge are the Raido design. I have bought (an early version) of Westhill Wagon Works Hunt coupling and hope that they will eliminate the problems you have experienced (let's see what you say in your special video). The disconnection (at 9:50ish) wasn't particularly helped by the step between the level track and the incline. Hmmm... not buying DAPOL again seems a little harsh.

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

Hi. I'm not much of a modeller and have been making corrections to my track as I've found problems. The layout looks pretty good now but there are a lot of bodges under the surface. I must be the worst railway modeller on the planet. I did fix the couplings. I think I had one or two of the coaches with a very poorly made socket. I was a little upset considering how much money I had spent but it's all sorted now and I have bought more Dapol gear. Although the jury is still out on the shaft drive and the tender being so light. I think I'm going to have a look see inside to see if there is some space for a little lead tape. Cheers

[@Wickford_N_Gauge]

Hi Simon, couplings are definitely not one of Dapol's strong points 😳and extends right across their product line 😩. You can see why Hunt Couplings have such an extensive range of magnetic replacements 😉I tend to use Deluxe Materials "Tacky Wax" to keep the couplings together, it is not a permanent bond like glue. It's also pretty handy for placing people on platforms 😁Very best wishes from the Emerald Isle ☘

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

Well I think you will guess what the video is going to be in a few weeks. I recently bought a Dapol train pack and the couplings in that work well. Maybe I was unlucky? I need to pop over and join your channel and watch some videos. Cheers

[@Wickford_N_Gauge]

Probably more lucky with the train pack 😲Mark Ireland and Colin's N Gauge have both recently put up "fix" videos for couplings on Dapol wagons 😫beautiful but deadly 🤐

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

@@Wickford_N_Gauge I've just bought another Dapol loco. It was simply one that I wanted that the others don't do. Probably going to be my last. I'm not keen on the tender drive tbh as it needs some weight in the tender. It's all too light for my liking. I will worry about it when i've finished building and have the time to look into it, open them up and see if there is any space for some lead tape. Or perhaps underneath.

[@Wickford_N_Gauge]

I recommend the Farish 4F 😍 they've recently released a new run with sound 🥳

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

@@Wickford_N_Gauge I can't afford those expensive ones. Plus what I've seen on youtube the locos with sound don't sound that great to my ears. Now if we could programme them to play some Rush........

[@rodneybates2135]

if the step up from 2mm-6mm at the entrance to that tunnel (9:50) is anything to go by i would say its your track laying that is causing your uncoupling problem. every one you have shown has been preceded by a massive lump or divot in your track!

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

I've fixed that now and fixed the couplings. I have also learnt that it is a Dapol problem. Notorious for it apparently. I don't have model making skills, I'm not very good at it at all. But the layout is progressing well.

[@ЛЬВИНИ]

Nice video. Like me😄😁

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

Cheers