magnetic couplers

[Anonymous]

I am just starting out with HO rolling stock. Most of my cars have the horn/hook couplers which I wi***o change to magnetic ones. Must all cars have the same brand couplers to work properly? Will the use of different models cause problems? What brand seems to be the best performing all-around? Are the permanent magnets better than the electromagnetic ramps?

[Anonymous]

I am just starting out with HO rolling stock. Most of my cars have the horn/hook couplers which I wi***o change to magnetic ones. Must all cars have the same brand couplers to work properly? Will the use of different models cause problems? What brand seems to be the best performing all-around? Are the permanent magnets better than the electromagnetic ramps?

[preceng]

Greetings,

I use a variety of magnetic couplers. Mainly Bachman E-Z Mate and McHenry Spring Style cause they have the return springs built onto the shafts. Kadee couplers do not and require the use of a box with the spring. I know a lot of guys that use the Kadee, but I have difficulty installing the extra pieces (klutz factor). I really like the McHenry couplers, but they are a little more expensive. I have been slowly converting to them. The springs seem to work better over the long haul.

Most of the knuckle styles work together well. The most important aspect is making sure they are all set at the same height. A good coupler height gauge is a must for this.

As far as magnets vs. electronic. Lots of guys use the e-version, particularly on the main lines to avoid accidental uncoupling. They also do not like the exposed magnet on top of the tracks. I like the permanent magnets. I use Bachmann E-Z track, so mine aer under the track. I also do not mind the occasional uncoupling. It gives me reason to back my train up to retreive the renegades (What can I say, I lead a dull life).

Good luck.

[preceng]

Greetings,

I use a variety of magnetic couplers. Mainly Bachman E-Z Mate and McHenry Spring Style cause they have the return springs built onto the shafts. Kadee couplers do not and require the use of a box with the spring. I know a lot of guys that use the Kadee, but I have difficulty installing the extra pieces (klutz factor). I really like the McHenry couplers, but they are a little more expensive. I have been slowly converting to them. The springs seem to work better over the long haul.

Most of the knuckle styles work together well. The most important aspect is making sure they are all set at the same height. A good coupler height gauge is a must for this.

As far as magnets vs. electronic. Lots of guys use the e-version, particularly on the main lines to avoid accidental uncoupling. They also do not like the exposed magnet on top of the tracks. I like the permanent magnets. I use Bachmann E-Z track, so mine aer under the track. I also do not mind the occasional uncoupling. It gives me reason to back my train up to retreive the renegades (What can I say, I lead a dull life).

Good luck.

[CP5415]

using couplers from different manufacturers will work together. I find you have to experiment
using the different ones to find what works for you.
Athearn uses Bachman knuckle couplers. I toss these as soon as I open the box. McHenry's seem to be ok, but almost everyone will tell you that Kadee's are the way to go.
Most of my rolling stock & all my locomotives are equipped with KD's.


Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[CP5415]

using couplers from different manufacturers will work together. I find you have to experiment
using the different ones to find what works for you.
Athearn uses Bachman knuckle couplers. I toss these as soon as I open the box. McHenry's seem to be ok, but almost everyone will tell you that Kadee's are the way to go.
Most of my rolling stock & all my locomotives are equipped with KD's.


Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by preceng

Greetings,

I use a variety of magnetic couplers. Mainly Bachman E-Z Mate and McHenry Spring Style cause they have the return springs built onto the shafts. Kadee couplers do not and require the use of a box with the spring. I know a lot of guys that use the Kadee, but I have difficulty installing the extra pieces (klutz factor). I really like the McHenry couplers, but they are a little more expensive. I have been slowly converting to them. The springs seem to work better over the long haul.

Most of the knuckle styles work together well. The most important aspect is making sure they are all set at the same height. A good coupler height gauge is a must for this.

As far as magnets vs. electronic. Lots of guys use the e-version, particularly on the main lines to avoid accidental uncoupling. They also do not like the exposed magnet on top of the tracks. I like the permanent magnets. I use Bachmann E-Z track, so mine aer under the track. I also do not mind the occasional uncoupling. It gives me reason to back my train up to retreive the renegades (What can I say, I lead a dull life).

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by preceng

Greetings,

I use a variety of magnetic couplers. Mainly Bachman E-Z Mate and McHenry Spring Style cause they have the return springs built onto the shafts. Kadee couplers do not and require the use of a box with the spring. I know a lot of guys that use the Kadee, but I have difficulty installing the extra pieces (klutz factor). I really like the McHenry couplers, but they are a little more expensive. I have been slowly converting to them. The springs seem to work better over the long haul.

Most of the knuckle styles work together well. The most important aspect is making sure they are all set at the same height. A good coupler height gauge is a must for this.

As far as magnets vs. electronic. Lots of guys use the e-version, particularly on the main lines to avoid accidental uncoupling. They also do not like the exposed magnet on top of the tracks. I like the permanent magnets. I use Bachmann E-Z track, so mine aer under the track. I also do not mind the occasional uncoupling. It gives me reason to back my train up to retreive the renegades (What can I say, I lead a dull life).

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I like the McHenry best. I've used the others and the all work well together as long as the height is correct.

I use Kadee large magnets which fit under the track (code 83) in the hard to reach places otherwise I use an uncoupling tool. You can ballast over them and they work fine.

[Anonymous]

I like the McHenry best. I've used the others and the all work well together as long as the height is correct.

I use Kadee large magnets which fit under the track (code 83) in the hard to reach places otherwise I use an uncoupling tool. You can ballast over them and they work fine.

[IRONROOSTER]

There was an article comparing couplers not too long ago. Maybe someone remebers when. If I remember correctly one major problem was coupling two cars on a curve - not all brands did equally well. I think Kadee did best.
Enjoy
Paul

[IRONROOSTER]

There was an article comparing couplers not too long ago. Maybe someone remebers when. If I remember correctly one major problem was coupling two cars on a curve - not all brands did equally well. I think Kadee did best.
Enjoy
Paul