I use the Kadee #58, the smaller-head ones that are closer to scale size. I buy the bulk packs to get the best price, and because I just like keeping a supply on hand. My last two brand new locomotive purchases (a Bachmann and a Walthers Proto) both experienced coupler failure within a week, but, no problem, I just pulled out my Kadee box and replaced them.
I've got Kadee coupler gauges both in my workroom and next to my layout. Part of the installation procedure is to check each coupler with a guage. Skip that step at your own peril.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
It's like this. Kadee invented the HO knuckle coupler back in the '60s. It became the choice of all model railroaders. Kadee's patents expired in the 1990's, and a bunch of makers came out with clone couplers. The clones intermate with each other and with Kadee. By now pretty much all rolling stock comes equipped with a clone coupler of some brand or other. They work well enough that I leave them in place until they actually fail in service. A lot of my clones are still running. The ones that fail I replace with Kadee's, usually a #5. In the hobby shop, I can get Kadees for the same price as the clones, so why not get the best? Kadee sells 10 packs and 20 packs of #5s for $1 a coupler ($2 a pair) less draft gear, which is fine, you seldom need draft gear.
Some people replace all clone couplers with Kadee's on general principles. I don't bother, the clones are pretty good, and a lot of 'em work fine and last a long time.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Proto Max couplers are functionally the equivalent of the Kadee #5. They look as if they're cast from the same type of metal. I've never experienced a break or other failure with Proto Max, but I only have a relative few of them that came on Walthers cars. Unlike plastic couplers, I see no reason to replace them unless you want a closer to scale head. If you can get them at a reduced price, so much the better.
Standard Kadee couplers work in any Kato locos I have, and in my sole example of a Kato freight car. Since the Proto Max apparently uses the same shank dimensions, anywhere a Kadee #5/148/58/158 or equivalent will fit a Proto Max should too.
Oh - don't throw out the plastic couplers until you remove the metal knuckle springs from the ones so equipped. The springs can be used as replacements on Kadees. Youll probably lose a few here and there, so it's good to have some extras.
Rob Spangler
I don't toss out my Protomax that came with some of my Walthers cars - AFAIK, they are the only KD clones that are metal and should be nearly as durable, but if you are buying packages of couplers to change out, put Kadee at the top of your list - after that it's which Kadee. The #5 is the traditional but I find that the whisker version #148 that doesn't use the bronze centering spring works better in many instances. If you prefer a closer to scale head, then go with Kadee #58 or whisker version 158.
You can save a little on cost by buying the bulk packs.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I can't fight the pack-rat in me Marlon.
You're right about tossing them. I wouldn't want to give them away to anybody, they wouldn't remain friends for very long...
Ed
gmpullmanI have a coffee can full of the knock-offs (sleazy-mate; Yack Henrys) 95% of my equipment has Kadees, the other 5% is the Walthers ProtoMax which have recently become their OEM coupler and it is not a bad substitute.
What!?? And waste a perfectly good coffee can?? I just toss 'em. There's not much sense for me to hang onto something I'll never use. And, as has been said earlier Kadees are bulletproof.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
skagitrailbirdBite the bullet and stick with Kadees.
Good advice!
I have a coffee can full of the knock-offs (sleazy-mate; Yack Henrys) 95% of my equipment has Kadees, the other 5% is the Walthers ProtoMax which have recently become their OEM coupler and it is not a bad substitute.
One time I had a cut of cars on a grade and they were bunched up since the engine was on the downhill side. I left them parked this way for over a week and when I went to run them again all of the little finger springs (this is before they upgraded to the coil spring) had taken a set and had become worthless.
All the plastic knock-offs are junk in my opinion. Kadee is worth the investment.
Good Luck, Ed
Bite the bullet and stick with Kadees. First, they are bullet proof. Second, they come in so many variations of shank, offset, etc. it is highly unlikely you will not be able to find one that fits whatever needs a coupler.
im not sure what is going on. Uploaded the pics from my phone to Flickr. And for some reason only the pic where the old couplers in my hand is showing and not the other two pics of the new Walthers Max Proto couplers are showing.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/92978045@N06/16512569845/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/92978045@N06/16510861451/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/92978045@N06/16325108970/
Yeah, bad links.
My guess is the Proto Max works anywhere a #5 does. They will be cheaper than Kadees, but that's probably in small packages. Get a pack with 50 pair or something and the price difference closes.
Obviously, if you need a coupler that requires other than a #5 equivalent, then you'll probably have to rely on Kadee, which is pretty darn reliable in general.
I just wish Kadee would make a #158 that fits the #714 draft gear for HOn3, so that Sergent couplers will quit tempting me with their promise of realistic draft gear slack, etc.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Regg, your links are not working.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/92978045@N06/16510861451/in/set-72157650722905355
https://www.flickr.com/photos/92978045@N06/16512569845/in/set-72157650722905355
https://www.flickr.com/photos/92978045@N06/16325108970/in/set-72157650722905355
Hi Everyone
I've recently bought some Proto Max Couplers for a decent price as I figured it was long overdue to change out my standard couplers on alot of my engines and cars seeing as most of them come with those brown plastic couplers i have in my hand on the first pic.
A few questions, the Kadee number 5 were out of stock and probably would be quite expensive to buy many of them so what is your opinion of these Walthers Proto Max Couplers? Im guessing got to be better than the stock couplers offered on many Athearn, Bachmann and Atlas...
Can these be used to replace the couplers on Kato's equipment? Their f40ph and bilevel commuter cars have a different coupler altogether.
What is that gold piece in the second picture and what is it used for?
Thanks,
Regg