> May I ask, Ed, just what you mean when you say "operation?"
Yep, you may ask. In my dictionary, "good operation" means running the trains
the way you like without compromise and without failures. Operation has
nothing to do with cosmetic factors.
> What part of the operation of Kadee couplers is it that you like?
Well, I have no complaints. So I guess I like all of it.
> Is it the way they stay centered all the time?
Yes, I do like that since much of my coupling is done beyond an arm's reach.
> Is it the way they can automatically uncouple over a magnet imbedded under
> the track?
Yes, I do like that since much of my uncoupling is done beyond an arm's reach.
> Is it the abundance of slack action in both the nuckle AND the shank?
Not really. I prefer to minimize slack action and therefore use KD#5 as much
as possible which has no shank slack and very little knuckle slack. I do not
like the wider between-car spacing and the excessive slack action of the
KD#802. However, those are cosmetic factors which have nothing to do with
operation (in my dictionary, anyway). In operation, the KD#802 work fine on
the half-dozen cars that have them.
> Or is it something else that I have not thought of?
As I said, my personal preference is for the KD#5 coupler since it is not
oversize and has minimum slack action. Other reasons for liking this coupler
are the multitude of various styles such as long shank, short shank, medium
shank, high knuckle, low knuckle, medium knuckle, swinging bolster accessory,
etc. I like the size for use in steam engine pilots. I like the size for use
on Sn3 stuff. I like the #5 because it is made of metal and is strong. I like
the cost when they are purchased in bulk from a discount retail outlet. I like
the KD#3 (an assembled #5) since it comes already assembled and there is little
to do except attach it to the car. I have been using these couplers as my
personal standard for many years and a good emotional attachment has developed.
I guess I am in love. Last but not least, all the pieces and parts can be
purchased separately at any decent hobby shop anywhere.
I will agree that the looks of Kadee couplers could be improved, but then again
improved appearance factors should not detract from the existing operational
features.
Note that I was not attempting to compare the Kadee brand to any other brand.
I was comparing the results of Bill's 40-car train to my 96-car train. His
couplers fell apart and mine did not. I have no idea why except that perhaps
his freight cars do not roll very easily and caused a lot more stress on the
couplers. Just a guess.....
> I am NOT challenging you...
No problem either way. Being challenged forces one to think about things. But
I did not take it that way.
> I am just genuinely curious what you like so much about them.
Now you know. That knowledge and a dime will get you a cup of coffee -- at
least back in 1940 when the NYC was truly mighty.
> And I want to know so I can do some my own comparisons along your lines of
> thought.
I think comparisons of both appearance and operation are important to do. No
one coupler will win in both categories. Each coupler has it's own set of pros
and cons. Best for each of us to simply use the coupler which matches our
personal preferences the best. Sort of like asking which glue is best. Or
which paint is best. Each is a bit different, but all do a job.
Some folks are afraid to couple and uncouple beyond an arm's reach. For them,
those particular features of the Kadee brand might not be important. So they,
in their infinite wisdom, might choose something else. Some might like the
larger size of the S couplers better and dislike the smaller size of the HO
couplers. They, too, will probably choose something different from my
standard.
While Sergent probably wins the beauty contest, the lack of availability makes
the entire discussion sort of moot. Kind of like comparing something to
nothing. Sort of like vaporware in the software world. When it is readily
available, then there is reason to make comparisons and decisions. Until then,
just some conversation.....
Just more musings.....Ed L.
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