Bachmann Magnetic Uncoupler Options

I've had a few questions about Bachmann couplers recently, so it's maybe time for a quick post just to clear it all up a bit.

It turns out that the Bachmann name gets attached to a lot of stuff - both in the UK/European markets and the US - and this includes products for the OO (Branchline) and HO gauges. One of things that is markedly different is the coupler types that are available for HO and OO.

Bachmann EZ Mate Knuckle Couplers

These are similar in nature to the Kadee knuckle coupler, in that they can be magnetically operated, using the Bachmann EZ Mate magnet (that comes with a little HO scale figure to mark where you put it!) that sits under the track.

While these are available in the UK, and they're reasonably cheap, they're not really designed to fit the Branchline rolling stock available over here. Also, fitting them is a bit of a pain, as they don't fit into NEM pockets.

However, they do fit into Bachmann HO models, among others, and would be a great solution for people who are modeling US outline.

In the UK, we've found a cheaper method, that just requires a small tweak to the existing couplings...

The Brian Kirby Method

Of course, I've written about this before, and it's fair to say that it does leave a little trace of itself behind, as can be seen in this video.

If you're not 100% certain what I'm referring to, it's the little "tail" that you can see on the tension lock coupler, and which can only really be hidden by subtle painting and weathering.

This is one of the reasons that people tend towards the knuckle couplings such as Kadee, and away from this (very much cheaper) method.

I'm still testing both - so I'll post some results of my own trials with the various Bachmann magnetic uncoupler options in due course!