Couplings
Could someone help me get a grip (no pun intended) on this topic. Each and every manufacturer seems to have their own type of connector. Is any one of them superior? Are any of them true representatives of the prototype? Can I put say a Roco or Fleischmann connector on a Trix locomotive? I really don't know where to start. Thanks in advance, Neil

Please see this topic http://germanrail.8.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=500

Neil, A key point is that most models today are fitted with couplings that have NEM sockets into which the manufacturer's own couplings are fitted. The beauty of that is that you can swop couplings for any other type. However if you buy second-hand models made about 10 years ago or more they will not have NEM sockets and you may well have to cut and glue to change couplings over. Some dealers may be persuaded to fit the couplings of your choice (within reason).

Neil, The NEM boxes, which were designed by Willy Ade and make coupling exchange so easy, go back much more than 10 years on some makes. Also, several brands, including Fleischmann and Roco, make conversion couplings with other peoples' shanks for earlier models, though these sometimes need the dovetail-mounting heads rather than NEM fishtail ones. The difficulties seem mainly to arise with old Liliput, Trix International and Märklin; OK if you use the basic NEM hook-and-loop but connecting them to modern close-coupled stock will demand cutting and joining (not always easy if they are polypropylene mouldings) except where the Märklin non-standard shank versions of their close-coupling can be used. One of those in this Märklin set has a flat shank which can be drilled for a screw mounting. The catalogues will show you what's available and you can always get answers on specific problems from someone here. David

Couplings
David, Thanks for the reply. I'm tempted by the positive things I hear about Kadee couplings, but it looks as though I have some interesting research ahead of me as it seems that there are a great many kinds. Thanks. Neil

Kadee couplers? Allow me to assist: http://www.euram-online.co.uk/tips/eurokds/eurokds.htm In short, I use nos 17,18,19,20 and 41... Steph

Re: Kadee couplers? Allow me to assist:
Ah - very interesting. Thanks Steph. N.

Neil--one thing that N scalers do is to use Z scale Microtrains (N scale Kadee's) couplers on the front of steam locomotives. The Z scale couplers do couple with N scale couplers. Analogously you might want to use N scale Microtrain couplers on the front on HO scale steam locomotives.

Boyce, Good call - unfortunately it doesn't work :cry: Even Kadee #58 (etc.) 'scale' HO couplers don't seem to work 100% reliably with European HO stock. The problem is the amount of slop 'twixt rail and flange of an NEM standard wheel. The tighter tolerances of the NMRA S7 track with RP25 wheels allow you to get away with it. I like the finer Kadees on my American stock though, very reliable and great appearance in that instance... Steph

Neil, Don't panic - they're just the American standards; Peco Code 83 track and Atlas wheels for example. I've used the normal HO Kadees (#5 type), nos 17-20 and 41 very comfortably with European HO stock on Peco Code 100 and Code 75 track so there's nothing to fear. Just keep the knuckle of the coupling sticking out in front of the buffers. The finer Kadee 'scale couplers' (#58 type) work best with American models though... Steph

Peco and Atlas are manufacturers. The "code" of the track is it's actual height in 1/1000ths of an inch. Kadee couplers are quite difficult with models that have buffers. Those that plug into NEM coupler boxes tend to droop, and coupler height is critical with Kadees: they also suffer a little from not being rigid (vs Fleischmann Profi and Roco that couple up into a bar). They are even worse where there is no flexible coupler box, though working buffers will help.