Couplings

[Anonymous]

I have 10 HO locos and several cars in my collection. Some are new, some have come from Train Shows, Every one has a different coupling. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of couplings and none of them match. I will replace them all, but with what? What recommendations as to the most efficient and best perfoming couling?

[Anonymous]

I have 10 HO locos and several cars in my collection. Some are new, some have come from Train Shows, Every one has a different coupling. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of couplings and none of them match. I will replace them all, but with what? What recommendations as to the most efficient and best perfoming couling?

[Anonymous]

I prefer Kadee - they have LOTS of conversion kits, and many, many choices to match your locos and rolling stock.

There are other knuckle couplers out there- McHenry and Accumate (by Accurail, I believe) are two of them. I've heard good things about both.

I like Kadee because they are metal, and have a long proven track record. Caution, though, if you attach the metal coupler the the metal frame of locos, and run then back to back, you could get a wiring short.

All three of those seem to mate with each other and uncouple from each other with varying degrees of success.

There are a few other knuckle couplers around, but those are my recommendations.

Rob

[Anonymous]

I prefer Kadee - they have LOTS of conversion kits, and many, many choices to match your locos and rolling stock.

There are other knuckle couplers out there- McHenry and Accumate (by Accurail, I believe) are two of them. I've heard good things about both.

I like Kadee because they are metal, and have a long proven track record. Caution, though, if you attach the metal coupler the the metal frame of locos, and run then back to back, you could get a wiring short.

All three of those seem to mate with each other and uncouple from each other with varying degrees of success.

There are a few other knuckle couplers around, but those are my recommendations.

Rob

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bibfortuna
[

I like Kadee because they are metal, and have a long proven track record. Caution, though, if you attach the metal coupler the the metal frame of locos, and run then back to back, you could get a wiring short.



Rob

I think the short only applies to running multi athearn units back to back.

Go to www.kadee.com/conv/list.htm for conversion recomendations.

You should also get a trip pin pilars, #237 and a coupler height gauge, #205.

Go to www.kadee.com and under product infor, scroll down to,list by product number , click,
and up pops a picture.

Lots of modelers also up-grade their rolling stock.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bibfortuna
[

I like Kadee because they are metal, and have a long proven track record. Caution, though, if you attach the metal coupler the the metal frame of locos, and run then back to back, you could get a wiring short.



Rob

I think the short only applies to running multi athearn units back to back.

Go to www.kadee.com/conv/list.htm for conversion recomendations.

You should also get a trip pin pilars, #237 and a coupler height gauge, #205.

Go to www.kadee.com and under product infor, scroll down to,list by product number , click,
and up pops a picture.

Lots of modelers also up-grade their rolling stock.

[bfsfabs]

offbook, Whenever someone asks me what couplers to use only ONE answer comes out of my mouth, KADEE. Yes, there are others out there but they are NOT as well built or reliable in operation as KADEE. bibfortuna mentioned the possibility of electrical shorts, a close perusal of the KADEE catalog will reveal plastic couplers to solve this problem. The NON KaDee couplers do not have any where near the reliability. Especially in the delayed uncoupling operations. Convert NOW while your roster is relatively small. Ever after, when you buy a new car or loco just buy the KADEEs at the same time. Get in the habit, it is well worth it.

[bfsfabs]

offbook, Whenever someone asks me what couplers to use only ONE answer comes out of my mouth, KADEE. Yes, there are others out there but they are NOT as well built or reliable in operation as KADEE. bibfortuna mentioned the possibility of electrical shorts, a close perusal of the KADEE catalog will reveal plastic couplers to solve this problem. The NON KaDee couplers do not have any where near the reliability. Especially in the delayed uncoupling operations. Convert NOW while your roster is relatively small. Ever after, when you buy a new car or loco just buy the KADEEs at the same time. Get in the habit, it is well worth it.

[Anonymous]

Actually buy Kadee #5 with centering springs in bulk packs and save $.

[Anonymous]

Actually buy Kadee #5 with centering springs in bulk packs and save $.

[rogerhensley]

There is an article on the NMRA Beginners Pages showing the installation of Kadee 5s that may help give you an idea of what is involved in changing to them. It is listed under improving rolling stock as Knuckle Couplers.

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

[rogerhensley]

There is an article on the NMRA Beginners Pages showing the installation of Kadee 5s that may help give you an idea of what is involved in changing to them. It is listed under improving rolling stock as Knuckle Couplers.

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

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rogerhensley

There is an article on the NMRA Beginners Pages showing the installation of Kadee 5s t

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

Excellent recommendation. First time I ever saw this link as part of the explanation

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rogerhensley

There is an article on the NMRA Beginners Pages showing the installation of Kadee 5s t

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

Excellent recommendation. First time I ever saw this link as part of the explanation

[Anonymous]

the metal #5 kadees will not short on athearn units if the are insulated: installed in their plastic box!

[Anonymous]

the metal #5 kadees will not short on athearn units if the are insulated: installed in their plastic box!

[Anonymous]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I have checked the websites and found the information to be very helpful. Back to converting!

[Anonymous]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I have checked the websites and found the information to be very helpful. Back to converting!

[emdgp92]

I've tried them all, but I'm sticking with Kadees. However, I have a few of the plastic knuckle couplers, mostly from newer Athearn rolling stock. However, if they give trouble, they get replaced! Horn hook couplers are junk--it was a good idea at the time, but that has now passed.

[emdgp92]

I've tried them all, but I'm sticking with Kadees. However, I have a few of the plastic knuckle couplers, mostly from newer Athearn rolling stock. However, if they give trouble, they get replaced! Horn hook couplers are junk--it was a good idea at the time, but that has now passed.