question about couplers

[Anonymous]

I have been looking at couplers to replace the ones on my stock and they have all these numbers and types. I find it very confusing. If anyone could tell me what all that info means it would be a big help. Thanks

[Jetrock]

You often won't go wrong with Kadee #5's (the standard coupler), the different numbers are generally intended for special situations--if you need a longer shank or higher or lower coupler mount, that's what the other numbers are for.

Just don't even bother with couplers other than Kadees. The plastic fake Kadees snap at a moment's notice. Not worth it...

[rogerhensley]

As Jetrock said, in HO, the Kadee 5 (or 58, the close to scale coupler) will fit most everything out there. The oher numbers are for specific installations. For more information on other types, here is the link to the Kadee web site: http://www.kadee.com/ .

There is also a brief 'How To' on installing Kadee 5s in the NMRA 'Introduction to Model Railroading' pages at http://www.nmra.org/beginner/couplers.html

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help guys. I was finding it confusing when I was looking at all the packages of couplers sitting there in front of me.

[Anonymous]

Kadee has a fact sheet which identifies the versions with the various offset shafts and coupler pockets. You might be able to download it from their web site.