11-18-2010, 05:03 PM
There are 2 other viable options for more-to-scale couplers than the standard Kadee - the Kadee #711 "Old Time" and the Sergent.
The Sergent is a pretty exact scale model of a Type E coupler, but the Sergents are a slightly different animal operationally.
To me, the Kadee #711 looks closest to the MCB couplers used at the turn of the century, so they are my preference and eventual standard. I think it's because although the Kadee #58 series trimmed the vertical size of the knuckle, Kadee really didn't change the other dimensions. The #711 (and HOn3 version #714) are smaller in every dimension. And they don't have the external knuckle spring, using a scissors assembly like the Micro Trains N scale couplers.
The MT N couplers in turn are closer to scale for those narrow gauge prototypes that used 3/4 size MCB couplers, so I am experimenting with them for the HOn3 line.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
The Sergent is a pretty exact scale model of a Type E coupler, but the Sergents are a slightly different animal operationally.
To me, the Kadee #711 looks closest to the MCB couplers used at the turn of the century, so they are my preference and eventual standard. I think it's because although the Kadee #58 series trimmed the vertical size of the knuckle, Kadee really didn't change the other dimensions. The #711 (and HOn3 version #714) are smaller in every dimension. And they don't have the external knuckle spring, using a scissors assembly like the Micro Trains N scale couplers.
The MT N couplers in turn are closer to scale for those narrow gauge prototypes that used 3/4 size MCB couplers, so I am experimenting with them for the HOn3 line.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W