[aquakiwi]

As a new commer to this hobby I've ended up with several different Locos and Rolling stock with at least 4 different couplers. I'd like some suggestions on a good coupler to standardise them.

 

[LateStarter]

Kadee are the best.
Walthers ProtoMax are excellent also.
Other brands will be cheaper, but are plastic, and won't last very long.
Be advised that some 'hi-end' (premium) brands are equipped with Kadee couplers. Walthers Proto (and current Mainline) are equipped with ProtoMax.

 

[wvgca]

most people go with kadee or at least the metal equivalents of them ...
the plastic ones seem to last quite a bit less, and take less abuse

 

[Old_Hobo]

Plus, the plastic ones can actually stretch/deform when pulling a long, heavy train.....

 

[CTValleyRR]

I concur with using either Kadee or Walthers.

If you have the cheaper plastic ones, it's ok to leave them in place until they fail. All knuckle couplers are compatible, just differ in quality. But the so-called hook-horn couplers don't work with the knuckle couplers and will need to be replaced.

One technique you can use, if you don't have the time or budget to replace them all at once is to make a transition car with a hook-horn at one end and a knuckle coupler at the other. This way you can run both types in the same train.

 

[ncrc5315]

There are also Sergent couplers.

 

[Eilif]

I concur with using either Kadee or Walthers.

If you have the cheaper plastic ones, it's ok to leave them in place until they fail. All knuckle couplers are compatible, just differ in quality. But the so-called hook-horn couplers don't work with the knuckle couplers and will need to be replaced.

One technique you can use, if you don't have the time or budget to replace them all at once is to make a transition car with a hook-horn at one end and a knuckle coupler at the other. This way you can run both types in the same train.

This would be my advice as well.

Also I've noticed a difference between the plastic knuckle couplers with springs and those with just a plastic pressure arm.

The ones with springs seem to last longer and function better. I'd eventually want to replace all with KDs but sprung plastic knuckles would be last.

 

[Eilif]

Also KD #148 are a great choice for upgrades. Entirely compatible with other KDs and other knuckles but easier to install.

 

[DonR]

Mucho agree with the others...knuckle couplers
by Kadee are the gold standard for modellers.

Their 148 is the easiest to use since it employs
a wire spring for centering.

You definitely should obtain a Kadee plastic
alignment 'tool'. It helps get the vertical
alignment necessary for optimum coupler
satisfaction.

Don