COUPLERS.

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cliffconceicao

When I started railway modelling 25years ago the standard for N-scale was rapido couplers. Kadee (later Micro-train) was a luxury especially if you lived on the side of the world. Through the years the collection of rolling stock gets larger which still came even recently with rapido couplers. Then your problem starts, Atlas engines & freight cars come with Accumate couplers, Kato with their own close coupling. The cost to convert to either Micro-train or Accumate couplers to achieve realism will be tough decision for me.

MT couplers are worth it for operation as well as appearance. Make a few conversion cars MT or compatible on one end - Rapido on the other. Then you can run both types in the same train. You can then spread out the cost of conversion for years if you want to.

[Anonymous]

I use what comes with the kit, unless they have supplied horn-hook (NMRA) couplers, in which case I replace with Kadees. I find all of them compatable and usable. I have never experianced a failure of any of the knuckle couplers in 18 years. Others state they have. If I find this starts happening, they will be replaced with Kadees. I think the Kadee spring plate is the weak link in Kadee couplers. The spring action is weaker to one side, than the other and this appears how the spring was designed. I am uncertain of the reason for this and find that Kadees will hang-up when swung to the weak side, occasionally. Otherwise, Kadee provides a superior product and I feel they are the industry leader!

[ATSFCLIFF]

When I started railway modelling 25years ago the standard for N-scale was rapido couplers. Kadee (later Micro-train) was a luxury especially if you lived on the side of the world. Through the years the collection of rolling stock gets larger which still came even recently with rapido couplers. Then your problem starts, Atlas engines & freight cars come with Accumate couplers, Kato with their own close coupling. The cost to convert to either Micro-train or Accumate couplers to achieve realism will be tough decision for me.

[Anonymous]

KD makes over 40 couplers for various loco/freight/passenger applications.

[Anonymous]

JTG4, Do yourself a favor and go to Kadee's website and check out which coupler will wok best on which car. They have a very comprehensive listing of coupler compatibility to car/engine/manufacturer. By doing this you can save yourself time and money and frustration.

[Anonymous]

Kadee makes many different models of couplers and, as well, draft boxes. I like the kadee for the look and also the operation. With new models of motive power being introduced almost daily, I would expect that some modification may be required. I would also suspect that is why this hobby is called Modeling. Some times ya just got to make it fit.[;)]

As for which is best, You should make that decision when you get all of the information you can.[:D], since it is indeed your railroad.[8D]

[BR60103]

Kadee make all those different couplers because the standard coupler box (NMRA, about 1958) never caught on. The box for the #5 is close to standard on plastic freight car kits.
If Kadee don't list a coupler for your loco, you may have to look at the mounting and experiment. Buy the bag of assorted -- you'll probably find one that comes close.

[Anonymous]

Kadee #5 is the best

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for your help. Seems the Kadee #5 is the way to go. Do they mount well on engines? Buddy of mine said sometimes this can be a problem. To all who responded, thanks a bunch.

[easyaces]

I'd go with Kadee #5 couplers for sure. Although I have read good reports in both MR and MRC about the McHenry couplers. Every piece of motive power and rolling stock I have has Kadee #5's on them, and never had a problem yet![:D]

[Anonymous]

I have a Life Like SW8 and I would like to put knucle type couplers on it. I've looked at what MicroTrains offer but I can't find one that will fit. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mikebonellisr

KD! .. MR did a article a few years ago where they tested all that were on the market,maybe somebody recalls which issue.

http:www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/000/453hobvv.asp

[mikebonellisr]

KD! ....I have them on cars that are 25 years old and they still work fine.You may run into small problems if you mix brands. MR did a article a few years ago where they tested all that were on the market,maybe somebody recalls which issue.

[Anonymous]

http://www.nmra.org/beginner/couplers.html

www.kadee.com/conv/list.htm

You may wi***o buy a KD trip pin pliers, part # 237 and coupler height gauge,
part # 205.

http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page160.htm

http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page120.htm

[bsteel4065]

KADEE, Kadee, Kadee every single time. They can be fiddly to fit, but they are THE best coupler on the market. It's all I use. Make sure couplers on every car are fitted at the same height by using the Kadee height guage and (usual track laying stuff) make sure your track is smooth, gradients are gradual and curves are not tight. They are THE BEST.

[tomwatkins]

Kadees definitely. I have have problems from time to time with some of the others, but never with a properly installed Kadee. I now install Kadees on everything.
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

Anything but EZ-Mate

[sparkingbolt]

Kadee uses metal springs for both the Knuckle and the centering spring. Unless they have been damaged outrightly, they seem to last for ever. if they are damaged they're replacable (the springs) Plastic couplers may look a little better sometimes, but plastic springs "relax" eventually. A malfunctioning coupler never looks good.. Most the "old pros" know and use Kadee

Some newcomers will use the other couplers that come with their cars and replace them as needed or as they can afford to. For a buck and a half per car, go with the best.

This subject is understandably posted often on this forum by newcomers (Welcome to the Hobby) you'll always see the same answers, favoring the Real Deal. If you want to buy in quantity, you can find Kadee #5s (the most universal application coupler) on eBay and in mail order stores advertised in Model Railroader.

Also, Kadee has a website that you can access to see a direct application for just about everything under the sun.

http://www.kadee.com
if you ever have a problem with Kadees, just post a question here (on this MR forum) and you'll get answers quick. Mounting Kadees in their own draft boxes helps too if possable.

One more thing: while most the knuckle couplers don't have any problems coupling together, UN-coupling can be quite a different story. I use magnetic uncoupling devices, only Kadee couplers seem to work consistently with these. Dan

[Anonymous]

I agree. Kadees are definitely preferable. I do use the plastic knuckle couplers supplied with Athearn kits and RTR on some stock - where fitting Kadees would take a lot of time and effort, but prefer Kadees wherever possible. I'm planning to convert all my locos to Kadees as soon as I find somewhere stocking the taps needed to put a thread on the coupler mounting holes.

[CP5415]

Kadees, all the way.
I've never seen a Kadee off centre before.
McHenry's work alright, & I have used them but I do prefer Kadees.

Gordon

[Anonymous]

Ok ,,, since i'm new, need some advice from you old pro's. Doing a freight layout and was wondering, what are the best couplers?? Kadee or McHenry?
Heard that Kadee sometimes goes out of center with the spring box. Mchenry looks good. Any Opinions????