What coupler is best?

[Anonymous]

I would like to know what couplers are the best and why? Please give any pros and cons, as well as experiences with any of those that you've used. I model in N scale, but I'm sure the same type couplers in the respective scales qualify your opinions.:)
Rene'

[Anonymous]

Rene',
I'm sure a lot of people will say or agree, Micro Trains couplers are the best choice. I have used other small knuckle couplers, and rapido as well. Micro Trains are very reliable with smooth operation. I have had to upgrade several of my knuckle coupler trucks & engine couplers to MT and they all work very very smooth. The newer couplers that are being put onto the new Atlas N rolling stock are pretty good too. MT seems to have very strict highg quality standards. I've had other small knuckle couplers come apart, break, or be at different heights and not very useful. Micro trains might cost more, but they are well worth it. They can also be used in a magnetic MT uncoupling system too. Buy them in the bulk pack of 10 pairs or the easy to install engine upgrade packs. Pete

[Anonymous]

Pete

Thanks for the input. A few members of the Baton Rouge N Scalers club have told me the same thing about MT. I'm in the process of building my layout. All of my stuff has rapido. After I've layed the track, I'll run trains for a while and see how they do. I try to spend more money on progressing the layout, but I realize the pure joy of an uneventful run also.
Rene'

[Anonymous]

Hi Rene,

Check out this article by senior editor Jim Hediger of Model Railroader, "The A to Z of HO couplers now goes beyond Kadee":

http://www.trains.com/content/dynamic/articles/000/000/000/453hobvv.asp

Hope it helps.

Jim Schulz
Associate editor, Trains.com