couplers

[Anonymous]

Hi, new guy here with the first of many questions to come.

I am getting my first train this weekend. I read somewhere to replace the stock couplers with knuckle couplers. Is this something I should do? Should I do it right away?

Thanks

[NZRMac]

Alot of the RTR (ready to roll) stuff comes with knuckle couplers, I just got 24 Bachmann 40' hoppers they all came with bachmann plastic knuckle couplers which will do till they break and then I'll use Kadee's.

Ken.

[cwclark]

couplers are the very first part for detailing your locomotives and your rolling stock...they make the trains look a lot more prototype than the hook and horn type couplers...most modelers use the KADEE #5 coupler...there are other brands but i've always came back to the KADEE's...they are metal and take a lot of abuse...when you do start mounting the couplers, you need some specilized tools...it would be a good idea to purchase these 4 items so that you can mount your couplers properly...1. you'll need a KADEE height gauge coupler so that your rolling stock will align properly and the air hoses get adjusted to the right height for each car you equip with the kadee's..2. you'll need the KADEE 2-56 screw drill and tap so that if you body mount the cars you can drill and tap the holes that secure the 2-56 screw, 3. you'll need the air hose KADEE pliers,..trying to bend the air hose with regular pliers is a sure ticket to disaster..the pliers will bend the hose to the proper height and you won't break the coupler in the process,..and 4. another handy gadget is the KADEE spring pick..the KADEE's have a small spring that attaches to the coupler body and the knuckle...the pic will hold the spring in place for installation if the need arises..if you try to mount the spring using anything else, chances are the spring will leap into the air and to only the Lord knows where it will land...don't bother looking for it..you won't find it , especially if it ends up in the carpet..the spring is so small that it's impossible to find...the pick evens out the odds that you'll get it mounted the first time...chuck