Best couplers

[davidone]

I have two Atlas gp38's and both will never run together for any length of time. The have been speed matched so the issue is with the couplers.

What couplers would you recommend to replace them with.

Dave

 

[migalyto]

I have two Atlas gp38's and both will never run together for any length of time. The have been speed matched so the issue is with the couplers.

What couplers would you recommend to replace them with.

Dave

What scale are you modeling?

If its Ho scale:

I use Kadee #148 whisker couplers on just about everything.

 

[davidone]

Yes it is ho, thank you for the suggestion.

Dave

 

[Marlin39]

What scale are you modeling?

If its Ho scale:

I use Kadee #148 whisker couplers on just about everything.

100% agree. I converted all of my freight cars & engines over to 148's if they didn't already have Kadees

 

[PMW]

I'm also a Kadee #148 whisker guy. I find them to reliably couple and stay coupled. Also they uncouple better with my Rix uncoupling tool than the couplers from the various manufacturers.

I believe Kadee makes a whisker coupler which is more to scale but it's my understanding that they are not as reliable as the #148.

 

[J.Albert]

When it comes to couplers, I have one word for you:
Kadee.

 

[insomniville]

Any commentary on couplers for N scale?

 

[Twinboystrains]

I haven’t had any issues with MTL couplers. My entire collection uses them. I’m using the prebuilt ones. They’re more expensive but less hassle of trying to assemble them.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

I recommend Kadees as well. With the exception of a few things that needed on of their more specialized models, I almost exclusively use their No.5s and 148s. I have some equipment that still has some other makes, but I've been working on upgrading those to Kadees also.

 

[santafewillie]

I also recommend Kadee #148's. They are an easy drop-fit in almost all Atlas engines as well as most manufacturers freight cars.

 

[inkaneer]

I haven’t had any issues with MTL couplers. My entire collection uses them. I’m using the prebuilt ones. They’re more expensive but less hassle of trying to assemble them.

I have used them also but the cost is now more than double compared to when I first used them. Most N scalers do not use the magnetic decoupling feature preferring to use a hand pick of some time. I have since started to use the Kato 11-702 couplers wherever I can. All my passenger trains have them and I am starting to convert my freight cars. One nice feature is that they will couple to MT's.

 

[Twinboystrains]

I’m well stocked with MTL prebuilt couplers. Purchased a large quantity of each length of couplers. The biggest issue I have is finding Intermountain metal wheels that I prefer. They seem to be plentiful when I don’t have the extra money and darn near unobtainium when I have the extra money.

 

[Smudge617]

Kadee, you can't go wrong with them. I use them on all my HO and OO rolling stock.

 

[blackz28]

did anyone mention KADEES

 

[riogrande5761]

I like the kadee 158 couplers

 

[Iron Horseman]

Any commentary on couplers for N scale?

Same, Kadee; except they were re-branded as Micro-Trains in the early 1980s.

As to the original question.

I have two Atlas gp38's and both will never run together for any length of time

I guess it depends on the vintage of the GP38. For the older ones the long answer is a Kadee #37. It has a short depth and an under set shank to get them to the correct height. as: file:///C:/Users/radfo/Downloads/Kadee%20EMD%20GP-38%20Conversion.pdf

 

[Rico]

Any commentary on couplers for N scale?

Look up the Npossible couplers, real game changers!

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