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Buy Couplers Which Ones?
Bob wants advice from readers who have some knowledge of couplers and asks:
“I have some old HO cars, steam locomotive and have purchased a Broadway Limited diesel, and I want to convert all of these to the same couplers. I don’t even know what couplers (name brand, type) are on these products now. What would would be your readers choice for the best couplers available? There seems to be dozens to choose from so I need some guidance on this matter.”
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Bob, you will probably want to select a coupler that suits your needs. Most modern models are using knuckle couplers that are more realistic than the older “horn-hook” couplers that showed up on models years ago. There are several manufacturers making knuckle couplers and they are compatible. Kadee, McHenry, et. al. all make various types of knuckle couplers. The differences are the length of the shank (for body mounted couplers), truck mounted couplers, and the shelf of the coupler (lower, center & upper). Older Kadee couplers used a copper insert as a spring to center the coupler, whereas McHenry and others use a whisker on the shank to center the coupler. Kadee has announced a new whisker centered coupler to replace the older styles.
Be prepared to replace the draft gear boxes for older couplers.
What ever one you choose, do all your locomotives and cars with the same style (knuckle, or horn hook) so they will mate.
Hope this helps.