PLEASE NOTE: SOME INCREASED PRICES, SOME PRICES HELD AND A BETTER DEAL FOR PAYPAL USERS FROM 1 MAY 2011

First, the bad news; I have to increase some prices -- for the first time since January 2006, more than five years ago. Since then the cost of etched sheet metal and wire has increased by 30% and postage by 60%. I can no longer absorb these increased costs and the price of coupler kits will increase from 1 May 2011.

The better news is that the price of magnets and springs will be maintained.

Best news of all, for some, is that from 1 May 2011, I am changing my PayPal surcharge system in a way that will benefit most customers who choose this method of payment. Instead of a flat surcharge of GBP2.00 per order, the surcharge will be 5% of the value of the order.

May I recommend PayPal as a method of payment. For non-UK customers, it overcomes the currency exchange difficulties and, once you are registered with PayPal, it is as convenient as paying by credit card. For UK customers, it enables you to order online and saves you the cost and hassle of sending a letter with a cheque enclosed. Despite rumours, I have always found PayPal to be totally secure, both as a buyer and a seller.

Thank you for your understanding and happy modelling,

Trevor Shaw.

Dingham Autocouplers

The Dingham Autocoupler is probably the least obtrusive commercially available automatic coupler for model railway vehicles in 7mm scale (O gauge) and 4mm scale (00, EM and P4/S4). It also has the advantage of a delayed uncoupling action without the need to move the shunting loco back and forth to operate the delay mechanism.

The Website

The website is meant to be informative. You should be able to find all the technical information you are likely to want about Dingham products. You can find prices and information on how to order. However, it is not possible to place orders through the website because I do not have credit/debit card payment facilities.  

A Brief History of Dingham Products

All Dingham products originate from my own modelling needs. If I need something that's not already available, I try to develop it. For this reason, new products are few and far between because I've no ambition to duplicate what's already out there. 

In 1999, Skipton & District Railway Society my local club was in need of an improved automatic coupler for its Gauge 0 exhibition layout, Lofthouse in Nidderdale. That resulted in the development of the Dingham Autocoupler for Gauge 0, which first went on sale in February 2000. The coupler is now used on many Gauge 0 home and exhibition layouts. Later in 2000, in response to requests from customers, Electromagnets for remote actuation of the couplers were introduced, followed by Springs for fitting the Gauge 0 couplers by the spring and split-pin method.  

I'd had many requests from 4mm modellers for a 4mm Autocoupler. At first, I doubted if it would be possible to reduce the size of the coupler to suit 4mm stock but, after considerable development work, the 4mm Autocoupler was introduced July 2002. It has been adopted not only by 00 and EM modellers, but also by those who aspire to the more exact P4/S4 standards.

The CAD-based Dingham etches are designed to minimise preparation time. Holes are etched accurately so that hardly any opening out with drills or broaches is required. Tabs holding components to the etch are as small as possible, so they can easily be cut without fear of damaging delicate components. Tabs are also carefully placed so that the "pips" can easily be removed with a file. 

Instructions are carefully thought out and well illustrated. They are tested by "typical" modellers making up the test etches. Even the packing has been given some thought and masking tape rather than cellulose tape is used, to eliminate the tiresome job of cleaning adhesive residues from metal parts after unpacking.  

Ordering

UK customers are advised to order products by sending a cheque (made out to T Shaw, please) through the post. UK orders are normally despatched by First Class post on the day received. 

Overseas customers can request their requirements via email, which will be answered by return with a price for cost of product, minus UK P&P (included in UK price) plus overseas P&P at cost. All overseas orders will be sent via Airmail Small Packet or equivalent service (3 - 4 days delivery almost anywhere in the world).

I can also accept payment via PayPal. This allows anyone, in UK or overseas to transfer funds via credit or debit cards. Please note, there is a 5% surcharge for payment via PayPal. This reflects my costs for using PayPal. The email address I have registered with PayPal is

Note: the above email address is an image and cannot be used as a link. 

More details on the Payments page

Contact Information

Telephone

+044 (0)1943 831935

Postal address

24 Nursery Lane, Addingham, Ilkley, LS29 0TN, England

E-mail address for enquiries and correspondence

E-mail address for PayPal payments

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Copyright © 2000 - 2011, Dingham Autocouplers
Last modified: 10 May 2011