I'm sure we all here could answer this question below. Tom http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,27688.0.html Ok, to save you time and aggravation from clicking on the link here.. [FONT=verdana, sans-serif] [/FONT]Are all N scale Bachmann rolling stack couplers compatible? Bought the "Southern Belle" starter set, and having trouble buying additional cars that will attach. Locomotives, same?
I clicked on the link and found the post made by a NOVICE that had purchased a STARTER set. The person had enough interest to ask that question, so I truly hope you gave them some advice. Think of it this way: None of us would know how to read, if someone else didn't teach us, right ???
As I sit here reading the reply and kind of chuckling... I am sure that there are some of us here would have helped him, other than I. However, I did my best. Tom
The RAPIDO TYPE Coupler is and was the long known and widely used standard coupler on model railroad rolling stock and locomotives from the late 1960’s to present and still is used at times. As we progress with our technology in the model railroad field the variety of manufacturers have adopted the use of both the Knuckle and Rapido Type coupler. I did my best here Tom TRIX - MINITRIX used the Rapido Type Coupler, not sure if they still do. AURORA/TRIX Yes the POSTAGE STAMP N-SCALE TRAINS All used the RApido Type coupler. MT - MicroTrains has their own coupler and is quite reliable, Though the did use the Rapido at the beginning on some of their models, at that point they were known as KADEE. Yes, KADEE is still with us though in HO-SCALE…. ATLAS uses both Accumate and the Rapido Type coupler. FYI, ATLAS/ MEHANO MADE, ATLAS / RIVAROSSI and ATLAS / ROCO use the Rapido Type coupler ATHEARN uses the McHenry couplers as far as I know. KATO uses either their own or ?? type coupler. I have seen KATO MODELS with MT’s, KATO’S own and the RAPIDO COUPLERS. B-MANN BACHMANN uses both EZ-MATE couplers and RAPIDO Couplers. Here are photos of and side comments...
The Rapido type coupler was long the standard for N scale trains, but has largely been replaced by the knuckle style coupler (MT and others) over the past 10 years. You may want to swap trucks on one end of a pair of cars to provide a "transition car" from one coupler style to another.
No, no I am not lodging a complaint here. I thought some of us here other than I could have taken the time to help this person. Since they are far more experienced than I am. I did my best here.. however, I am far from PERFECT! Lol. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes. Tom For those who do not understand the best way for them to hide their ignorance is to criticize, find fault or laugh!
That quote sounds like something from Yoda. And actually, I thought that's exactly what you were doing !!! ANYWAY, if post #5 is what you sent that person, I think you did pretty Damn good !!!
If you want to delve into N scale coupler history there were a couple of other oddball coupler types out there....
All, I too would like know how many others have been, ok were or are used in N-SCALE? I am sure that some of us here, if not all would like to know? Yes, I am curious. So please educate me and those here. Tom
Kato (Japanese stuff) and Kato Hobbytrain (primarily European) still uses Rapido style couplers for the majority of their locos and rolling stock. Micro-Ace, Tomix, and basically all of the Japanese companies also use Rapido style couplers on Japanese stuff. I know that Fleischmann and European manufacturers used Rapido style for a long time but I think some are getting more into the prototypical style couplers.
Unfortunately, the old Rapido couplers are still the standard for new European models. At best, there are some replacements available.
