--- In [email protected], Peter Gagnon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Do you see any major difference in operation and installation
between the SHS and the Kadee's? It sounds like the Sargents are
pretty much a purist coupler that give a good look, but are not too
operationally friendly.
Hello Peter....
The SHS coupler does not have "slack action" whereas the Kadee S
coupler does. The Kadee S coupler has a spring loaded shank which
allows the coupler to move back-n-forth in/out of the draft gear
box. Some folks like this action while others dislike it.
Personally, I do not care for it as it looks unrealistic to me.
Some folks install teeny tiny cylinders of metal inside the coil
spring to reduce/eliminate the slack action. However, the SHS
couplers, when mated to each other, have more "slop" between the
knuckles and so there is some degree of slack action although it is
not the shank moving in/out. Instead, it is the loose fit between
mated couplers that permits in/out movement.
Installation is pretty much equivalent although I find the Kadee to
be somewhat easier. The SHS couplers are a bear to deal with if
they come apart. The spring, in particular, is difficult to
reinstall back into the coupler draft gear. So ease of assembly
goes in favor of Kadee. With luck, things won't fall apart on you,
but it will happen occasionally in spite of your best efforts.
The Kadee S coupler has a longer distance between the coupled cars.
The SHS coupler has a shorter coupled distance and looks more
realistic. The Kadee HO coupler has even a shorter distance and, to
my eyes, looks the best of all. Prototype cars, on the average,
were about three feet apart when coupled. The Kadee HO coupler has
no slack action at all (well, a very minimal amount that is barely
detectable). The Kadee HO coupler also has a wide variety of shank
lengths and knuckle heights and mounting options which are very
useful in certain circumstances such as steam loco pilots, poorly
designed kits with incorrect coupler height, using narrow gauge
models on a standard gauge RR, etc.
The Sergent coupler looks fine, but has a few operational
disadvantages: (1) it doesn't mate/work well with anything else, (2)
it does not have automatic spring-loaded centering action, (3) it
requires a hand-held magnetic wand held OVER the couplers to effect
uncoupling. Forget those magnets in the track with Sergents. Thus,
if you want to uncouple/couple at a location more than an arm's
reach away, you have a serious problem. Kadees and SHS couplers do
not have these disadvantages.
Best thing to do is to buy two pair of each kind of coupler and
try 'em out for yourself. You can see for yourself the differences
and decide which is best for you. Like wine, women, and song, each
of us will make different choices.
Have fun....Ed L.
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