Dapol O gauge chain couplings

[Yeoman]

I have recently purchased a couple of Dapol wagons. The first link in the chain couplings are fixed in a vertical position. So when connecting in a train the tension is on a vertical and not a horizontal line of links. Also a shorter link. How do experienced O gauge modellers overcome this problem please?

[Mountain]

Actually it is strange. I don't model in 0 gauge.. (Well, in a way but in narrow gauge form) so not really used the same couplings. I do say to have the first part of the chain in a vertical plain is very odd indeed.
I'm sure the couplings can be changed though in theory. There should be coupling manufacturers around. If not they should not be too difficult to make your own.