I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to the first question, but from experience I can say that the answer to the second is yes. However, the couplers from the different ranges don’t quite work as well with each other, as they do with the couplers from their own ranges. For example, express coaches from Hornby seem to be more prone to detailing behind a Bachmann Gordon, than a Hornby Gordon, and vice-versa. However, it’s only a slight difference, and in my experience, the couplers from both companies do work rather well with each other. Best of luck, Len! I hope someone can answer your first question!

~Alex