Couplers, Track, etc.
TT has its quirks. Though the scale itself is standardized, everything else is pretty much "up for grabs." I was amused to find a few things this early in the game. One notable thing was the track.
Rapido couplers are used with most original N scale equipment with similar disadvantages.
Knuckle couplers ...
Knuckle Couplers
This article was written specifically in answer to some HO questions.
However, these basics apply to other scales.
(The photo descriptions are at the bottom of the page.) ...
Couplers--Most popular today are the Kadee and knuckle. Kadees are preferred by scale and some hirail operators because they appear more prototypical. Kadee makes an S scale #802 and an HO #5 (both suitable for S scale).
Couplers: are the devices by which cars and locomotives are hooked together. The most widely used coupler is known as a "knuckle" coupler. These generally replicate full-size couplers as used on U.S. rolling stock.
Couplers which couple and uncouple automatically through the use of uncoupling ramps, and permanent or electro-magnets; permits remote operation of couplers instead of manual coupler operation.
Auxiliary Tender ...
Couplers installed on some locomotives that will allow only limited lateral movement when in buff. This reduces lateral forces on the track and therefore reduces the possibility of rail turnover and jackknifing of the locomotive consist.
Knuckle Coupler
Couplers on the ends of railroad cars and locomotives (standard in the U.S.) which, when viewed from above, resemble two hands with the fingers bent to grip one another.
Marx continued to use their unique V shaped couplers well into the 1960's when they switched to a non-operating knuckle coupler which was smaller than and incompatible with Lionel's.
UoS Comment from Webmaster: I cannot recommend automatic couplers because they can cause a lot of technical trouble. Careful specification and attention to design detail is required to ensure reliability.
Safety Appliance Act (US): A law mandating air brakes, grab bars, and automatic couplers
Safeworking: The system of rules and equipment designed to ensure the safe operation of trains.
Now, check the bottom edges of the car ends where the couplers protrude and clean any flash or excess paint. Cars that use a lower underframe need special attention, as they have little pins on the upper sides.
Many advanced modelers prefer to upgrade their couplers from the traditional plastic "horn-hook" type to better couplers called "knuckle couplers." They look more realistic and can be magnetically uncoupled hands-free from anywhere on the layout.
Kadee - Brand name for precision couplers which are designed for model railroading.
Key - Wedge of hard wood or spring steel inserted between rail and chair to hold rail firmly in position at correct gauge.
My equipment was never converted to Micro-Trains couplers and I didn't add DCC. I've always been satisfied with Rapido couplers and block control.
All of the cars and locomotives have the Sergent Engineering true scale couplers installed and operate like the prototype coupler.
Knuckle Coupler - Designed to look like prototypical railway couplers, both operational (e.g., Accurail® Accumate, Kato, and Micro-Trains® Line Magne-Matic®) and non-operational dummy (e.g., Intermountain Railway Co. and Model Die Casting Inc.
UK railways traditionally used short chains (three-link and screw-link couplings) to link wagons and coaches together, unlike North America which has relied on sturdy knuckle-shaped metal couplers for a long time.
Any coupling, either a solid bar or couplers, between two pieces of rolling stock.
Drawbridge
A movable bridge that spans a navigable waterway.
Pop the metal tabs off the back of the coupler housing, slide the black coupler pin out and remove the Rapido couplers. Lift the cab off the shell. Remove all clear plastic lights and windows. Voila! Disassembly is complete.
Others lack working couplers on the nose of their engines that have cylinders out where you can see them. The TURNTABLE serves the dual function of pointing your engine in the opposite direction and making a connection to the other track.
A set of freight wagons or passenger carriages semi-permanently joined by articulation rather than by normal couplers.
RAR
COMPUTERS. A rarely used archive file format, similar to ZIP (see that entry).
These vehicles do NOT have couplers and operate in single car consists. Coast A position on the master controller in which neither power or braking is requested. Consist A train consisting of one or more cars.
 See also: Coupler, Track, Train, Locomotive, Gauge
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