Mchenry's couplers

[Anonymous]

I am re-entering the hobby after a few year's absence. One of the last things I was working on was updating my HO coupler's to Mchenry's magnetic couplers. I thought I would get out a few cars and order some couplers and work on the cars until the weather is cool enough to work on the layout in the garage.
The couplers I was using a few years ago were designated " #51 KS Series Automatic and Magnetic". I looked on a couple sites and did not find the # 51. Tried to search for Mchenrys site without luck.
So is the #51 still the right code or have they changed numbers?
Or do they still make the magnetic set? Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken[?][8]

[cacole]

I think you need to look again at the McHenry Web site -- the #51 is still their standard (centered head) shank knuckle spring coupler. They offer many different styles now, in addition to the #51. The #51 is about half-way down the page.

Whatever you do, I highly recommend that you avoid the older style McHenry couplers that did not have a real metal knuckle spring.

[claycts]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

I think you need to look again at the McHenry Web site -- the #51 is still their standard (centered head) shank knuckle spring coupler. They offer many different styles now, in addition to the #51. The #51 is about half-way down the page.

Whatever you do, I highly recommend that you avoid the older style McHenry couplers that did not have a real metal knuckle spring.

I have 50 of these things how can I tell, LOOK or magnet?

[bogp40]

The knuckle spring is similar to the Kadee. If it has the plastic whisker for closing the knuckle don't bother using them. In that case, why not use Kadees? The most reliable out there.
Bob K.

[cacole]

All McHenry couplers are "magnetic" uncoupling, just like Kadee and the other clones. The term magnetic means that a magnet can be placed between the rails for automatic uncoupling. That's why the curved metal piece that is supposed to look like an air hose sticks down from the coupler head -- when you pu***he cars back over a magnet, the magnet pulls on those hoses and opens the knuckle.

We don't use magnetic uncoupling on our club layout because magnets can cause uncoupling when you don't want it. A shishkabob skewer can be used for uncoupling of all knuckle style couplers instead of relying on magnets.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I found the site soon after I made my post. Are the Kadsees really better?
Ken

[oleirish]

Ken
In my MHO KaDee are the way to go,but a lot of expence changeing over.

JIM

[cacole]

Most, but not all, Kadee couplers are metal and McHenry and the other clones are all plastic. Which is better is a matter of personal opinion.

I have used hundreds of McHenry knuckle spring couplers with no problems. The original McHenry couplers were very brittle and did not have a knuckle spring. McHenry evidently received a lot of complaints about them and quickly changed their design.

Other people who apparently don't treat their rolling stock with care insist on Kadee metal couplers because they have broken plastic couplers.

Go ahead and use the McHenry couplers you have. You can always switch to Kadees if you start having trouble with them in the future.

[waltersrails]

I use the Mchenry couplers myself but the only problem i have with them is the spring coming out. (i also don't mind using bachmann spring couplers) .

http://ztrainman.tripod.com/

[Anonymous]

My experience with McHenry has left them in the trash can. They just aren't kadees!!! They look nice, but I have had many cars with McHenry couplers uncouple themselves. The interior of the knuckle seems to be a bit convex, and upon heavy load they tend to ride up and out of the knuckle it is mated to. This has created several rear end collisions for me when I would walk away and leave the trains running unattended. I learned this was not a good practice either.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tailspin Ken

Thanks, I found the site soon after I made my post. Are the Kadsees really better?
Ken

Much, much better. The best use for the McHenrys is a gondola scrap load.[:(!]

[lesterperry]

Mc Henry [tdn] KaDee [tup] When I get a new car or Loco the first thing I do is remove the Mc Henry and put on a Kadee. If the wire hangs a liitle low and catches a crossing, magnet or switch the plastic shank will break on a Mc Henry. With a Kadee it will cause a derailment but no damage. I keep the Mc Henrys to put on anything I descide to sell and keep the Kadee. I have a neighbor who uses Mc Henry and complains all the time about uncoupleing problems but wont use the old hook horns because you can't back up. When I tell him to use KaDee we scoffs at me and says I don't know what I am talking about. I have 300 plus cars almost 100 Locos and been doing this for 15 years. So I guess I don't know what I am talking about. My trains have run flawlessy for 4 hours during open house events pulling 30 to 50 car trains.

[icmr]

I use Kadee couplers and have never had a problem. Only one of my cars has Mchenry on it and it does allright but i prefer Kadees. I do the same as lesterperry, when I get a new car or loco I pick up a pack of Kadees to replace the plastic ones that come with the car or loco. In short, use KADEES!!!!!!!