Can Dapol rolling stock couple to Graham Farish rolling stock?

Modern Graham Farish and Dapol rolling stock should in theory couple together with little problem. This is thanks to the NEM standards that define model railway scales and guide manufacturers in creating compatible products that assist modellers in constructing model railway layouts that operate reliably.

However, in practice this only ensures that couplings are positioned at a compatible height and conform to certain dimensions or scale. Differences in durability, age of model and texture of the material used to manufacture the coupling can all make a difference and every effort should be made to ensure that the two pieces of rolling stock to be coupled together have as similar couplings as possible. This advice is even relevant for rollingstock produced by the same manufacturer.

For the best marriage between two pieces of rolling stock, check that the couplings sit at the same height, check that the D shaped bars have the same profile on both couplings and finally check that tension on the hooks is taken up evenly as the train pulls away. These simple checks should ensure smooth trouble-free running.

It's always worth remembering that if your rolling stock is fitted with NEM couplings, then you can always swap the couplings for compatible ones if they don't couple evenly. Replacement NEM couplings are available from most good model shops.