Couplers are an integral part of any model railroad. They are the links that make locomotives and cars into trains. There are many different styles of coupler available. Some are very realistic, some purely functional. Whatever you choose, good couplers are essential for reliable and enjoyable operations.
1. Link and Pin Couplers
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
These simple couplers have a rich but deadly history.
2. Knuckle Couplers
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The standard on the prototype has a long history on models as well.
3. Scale vs. Standard Knuckle Couplers
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
In HO scale, couplers are shrinking down to size. Is there an advantage? Do you need to switch?
4. Hook and Loop Couplers
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
These couplers have seen limited use in many scales. While not the most authentic, they do work well.
5. Horn Hook Couplers
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
These crude plastic couplers were an HO standard for a generation.
6. Shelf Couplers
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Special safety couplers for tank cars have even more uses on a model railroad.
7. Rotary Couplers
®2009 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
8. Transition Car
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
9. N Scale Couplers
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
10. Coupler Cut Levers
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
These simple bars make rairoading much safer. Most models don't use them, but they still make nice details.
11. Uncoupling Magnets
®2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
12. Fix a Low Coupler
©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Fixing a low coupler is a quick project that can solve years of frustration.
