Do cheap couplers annoy you?

[jecorbett]

It wasn't that long ago that horn hook couplers were the standard coupler included with most kits and RTR equipment and serious modelers figured anytime you bought a new item, you got a set of KDs to put on it. I'm just glad KD compatible couplers are now the standard. I use whatever the manufacture supplies. If it works, I leave it alone and if it causes me trouble, I replace it with a KD.

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MisterBeasley

QUOTE: Originally posted by hdtvnut

I won't name the brand, but it sounds Scotish.

I'm Scottish. I use nothing but Kadees, though.

Being Scottish doesn't mean you're CHEAP! It mean you expect your dollars worth!!

Fergie

[cjcrescent]

jsoderq wrote:

QUOTE: The reason you don't get Kadees as oem is Kadee does not supply in large quantities.The manufacturing process is much more involved than the plastic couplers. This has been posted many times before.

This is true. The KD factory runs at capacity most of the time. They physically cannot turn out more couplers. The reason they come on SOME manufacturers kits and RTR is the numbers required are so low that KD can still supply them and the general market. Just think of the number of cars and locos Athearn makes in a production run. Add to that Accurail, P2K, Walthers etc. That would eat up entire production runs of KDs. Are you willing to give up the ability to be able to go to your supplier and not be able to buy them separately for a loco/car that needs them? Not me.

[Pruitt]

I don't even think about the couplers on rolling stock, since I change them when I build the kit anyway. If I went for the RTR cars, it might be different....

[nbrodar]

Kadee's by far, but there are a couple of places that I use the EZ-Mate Mrk II (with the KD like spring). What ever comes with the Athearn cars never stay coupled.

Nick

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by samgolden

KD are the best in my book. My biggest gripe is: KDs have been around for so long, why don't the rolling stock manufacturers make the coupling box compatable so you can just change them without having to fit a special (underset or overset) coupler in order to get the height requirement. I can see using different length couplers but not the height. I don't think I have ever seen a Prototype coupler that the height was off set.

Sam

\We all prefer Kadee's for their reliability and they are no doubt the standard for the industry for over forty years.

The new kids on the block are trying to make a living and offering lower cost items, but we keep replacing them because we really want the best.

I noticed BLI and Overland install Kadee's along with the cars Kadee makes. The new Zephyr cars have Kadee's.

At least some of the companies are getting the idea.

Next time you send an email to one of the importers, let them know we prefer KD's on all of our locomotives and cars.

[samgolden]

KD are the best in my book. My biggest gripe is: KDs have been around for so long, why don't the rolling stock manufacturers make the coupling box compatable so you can just change them without having to fit a special (underset or overset) coupler in order to get the height requirement. I can see using different length couplers but not the height. I don't think I have ever seen a Prototype coupler that the height was off set.

Sam

[Anonymous]

Yes.

[icmr]

YES. Fergmiester is right, if it is not KD then get rid of it.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[ARTHILL]

I had this discussion in 1966. The only reason all my stuff does not have KDs is because I keep doing other things first. I have wondered why no one else has figured out how to make a good coupler.

[ICRR1964]

I'll never forget the day I spent a cold winter day at the work bench replacing all the couplers on all my freight and engines to a cheap brand of couplers. spent the next 4 weekends adjusting each one of them, and had nothing but problems! Allot of work done for nothing I thought. Then I bought the Kadee couplers, problem solved!![^]

[Anonymous]

Those couplers get on my nerves too - a pack of Kadee #5s costs £2.50 over here, and that has to cover packing them, shipping them, etc. Surely if model manufacturers were to factory fit them on RTR stock and include them in kits the extra cost per unit would be tiny? I'm guessing around £1 extra per item of stock at most, as they'd be able to order bulk tubs of couplers from Kadee.

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by John Busby

Hi all

There are other types around that are good quality and reliable which is what the main thrust of this thread seems to be.

regards John

Name them...

[ProtoWeathering]

QUOTE: Do cheap couplers annoy you?

No, but they sometimes make me itch...

[MisterBeasley]

QUOTE: Originally posted by hdtvnut

I won't name the brand, but it sounds Scotish.

I'm Scottish. I use nothing but Kadees, though.

I really hate it when I have to replace the couplers on a brand-new engine because they've failed after a month of light service. But, I really love it when the engine is back on-line with Kadees. Failure of non-Kadee couplers is like death and hard disk failiures - it's not IF they will happen, it's just WHEN.

[jsoderq]

The reason you don't get Kadees as oem is Kadee does not supply in large quantities.The manufacturing process is much more involved than the plastic couplers. This has been posted many times before.

[John Busby]

Hi all
Any coupling that is cheap and nasty and is prone to failure is rubbish
I have never worried about type much
However kadees are not the be all and end all as far as couplings are concerned
There are other types around that are good quality and reliable which is what the main thrust of this thread seems to be.
That quality reliable couplings should be on stock you pay good monry for not the
cheap carp particularly on the expencive items where they spoiled them by supplying
el cheapo couplings
regards John

[rolleiman]

People have been griping about this for years.. I always figured, even with an Athearn BB kit, i would be willing to pay the $1 extra if KDs were simply included.. That's about, at the time, what I was paying to put them on the cars instead of the NMRA types.. I agree with everyone above, the plastic knockoff types are simply garbage.

Jeff

[joeyegarner]

I have been replacing these couplers for the last 3 months, I spent some money on them about 5 or 6 (been on break from the hobby) years ago because hey! Kadees are just to expensive!?!?! Lesson learned buy cheap buy twice. I would not spend one dime on anything other than a Kadee now.
Now, I really don't care what the manufactures put on thier products I can replace them myself. I have not seen a Loco or peice of rolling stock I couldn't get one (Kadee)on yet

[Fergmiester]

Oh yah! If it isn't KD get rid of it. Some of my most (about 90%) spectacular derailments and pile ups are as a result of faulty cheap plastic couplers. Those little brass springs make the world of difference.

And yes it annoys me to no end when I buy an expensive Loco and get a cheap plastic coupler with it.

Fergie

[hdtvnut]

I now have a large box full of lousy HO couplers with plastic knuckle springs which I have been
pulling off cars made by Walthers and Athearn, some carrying list prices as high as $40, replacing
them with Kadees. These "finger" spring couplers are delicate, easily damaged, and are certain
to fail with much use. The brake hoses can twist out of position. The shanks can deform under
heavy load or from accidents. I won't name the brand, but it sounds Scotish.

If a mfg. wants to put this stuff on low-cost cars, that's one thing. But Athearn Genesis?
Walthers $35-40 Bud cars? Why not charge a little more for the car and give us something we won't
immediatly want to change?

How many of you feel the same way? I have given my two cents worth months ago to a Walthers
product manager, but one complaint is easy to ignore. Maybe if more dissatisfied people among us
let these guys know how they feel, they will get the message.

Hal