Types of couplers

[SeriousSam]

Hello, I'm kinda new to the hobby. I have bought a few N Scale SD-40 locomotives and some have the standard couplers installed. Is it very difficult to install the "knuckle" couplers? they seem to look more real. Do you guys recommend that type of couplers? Or should I look for different types? They type of layout that I am building consists of long, non stop nor interchanging track. So I would not need to remove any rolling stock. I just dont want my train set to be broken in half on a curver. Thanks

[emdgp92]

I'd go with Micro-Trains couplers. They look better and are more realistic than the stock Rapido couplers. The only problem I had installing them, is that the parts are so small compared with HO scale. However, once i installed a few N scale couplers, it became easier.

[tjsmrinfo]

sam i am not famaliar with nscale as i model in ho scale and i put knuckle couplers on y rolling stock. what i would recommend that you do is either go to a train show and talk to nscalers, find an nscale club in your area, or go to your local hobby shop (LHS) and talk to someone that models in n scale.
if it were me i'd replace all with knuckle couplers

hope this helps

tom

[SeriousSam]

Thanks. I appreciate the help. I will try my hand at installing the different couplers. I live in a small town so there are no hobby shops nor clubs. I would have to drive 45 miles to the closest shop.

[ATSFCLIFF]

I model in N scale and would advise converting your couplers to Micro-Train knuckle couplers. They are very reliable and come either assembled or in kit packs. The unassembled ones are very much cheaper and initially assembling them will cause some frustration because of the small parts but you will get the hang of it.
If you are starting out in the hobby try to buy your rolling stock that come with MT couplers, this will save you money and lots of coupling problems.

Cliff

http://cliffordconceicao3310.fotopic.net/c328807.html

[SeriousSam]

[tup] @ your layout. Thanks for the help Cliff. I wish New Mexico had more of this modeling stuff like other states [:(]