The first of Bachmann Europes’ Branchline OO Scale Class 31 Diesel Locomotives which feature Bachmann’s ground-breaking Auto-Release Coupling System are now available from Bachmann stockists.

The Class 31 along with the Class 30 are the first time these classes have been made available in OO Scale by Bachmann Branchline.

The Auto-Release Coupling System is the type fitted to SOUND FITTED DELUXE Class 30/31s.

Using the Auto-Release Coupling System allows hands-free uncoupling to take place when used on DCC, and is activated with a single press of a dedicated DCC function button.

The system uses an electromagnetic coil that, when energised by the DCC decoder, moves both the coupling hook and a paddle to lift the opposing coupling hook and provide the remote, automatic uncoupling function.

The Auto-Release Couplings are compatible with a wide range of tension lock couplings. However, because they are activated electromagnetically, the opposing coupling of the rolling stock from which the Auto-Release Coupling is to be uncoupled must employ a non-magnetic coupling hook.

Coupling hooks on Bachmann Branchline models are constructed from brass, a non-ferrous metal. Although more expensive to produce, they have the advantage that they will not deteriorate, unlike some metals which may rust or corrode when exposed to variable humidity and fluctuating temperatures.

As the couplings are non-ferrous, they are also non-magnetic, which allows them to operate seamlessly when used with the new Auto-Release Couplings.

Some third-party products use coupling hooks made from ferrous metals, which are magnetic and incompatible with Bachmann Branchline’s Auto-Release Coupling System.

This means that compatibility with the Auto-Release Coupling System is restricted to tension lock couplings fitted with a non-magnetic coupling hook.

Concurrent with the production of models fitted with Auto-Release Couplings, spare brass coupling hooks will be available for consumers to change any non-compatible coupling hooks in their existing fleet.

Anyone who has purchased a SOUND FITTED DELUXE Class 30/31 can obtain a small number of coupling hooks to help them convert any of their rolling stock that uses non-compatible coupling hooks.

Alternatively, a range of couplings suitable for retrofitting to many types of third-party rolling stock are available as retail accessories from Bachmann Branchline.

All SOUND FITTED DELUXE Class 30/31 models are supplied with a pair of standard tension lock couplings that can be used where rolling stock needs to be compatible with the Auto-Release Coupling System.