Comments on: Buy Couplers Which Ones? https://blog.model-train-help.com/2010/02/buy-couplers-which-ones.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=buy-couplers-which-ones Model railroads and model trains Thu, 22 Nov 2012 23:43:56 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Ken Malgren https://blog.model-train-help.com/2010/02/buy-couplers-which-ones.html#comment-682 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:22:18 +0000 http://68.171.208.138/~blogmode/2010/02/buy-couplers-which-ones.html#comment-682 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.

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