i recently started an N scale model set. the shop that i went to for the loco and the cars that i have all had the same couplers. i went in to the same shop 3 weeks later and they had went to a train expo to sell their n scale stuff and possibly accuire new modeling items. i had noticed they purchased a pack of random new cars with the different couplers, they all had knuckle couplers compaired to all the cars and loco that i had purchased the 3 weeks prior... am i able to get the knuckle couplers and replace the old ones or do i need to get new trains?
Check this out - Micro Trains (AKA Kadee) makes the best IMO.
I'm guessing you have the old "Rapido" style couplers that look like a hook with a chiseled end.
http://www.micro-trains.com/pl-NCouplers.php
Happy railroading.
yeah thats exactly what i have, am i able to replace them with the knuckle couplers?
Yes, that's what I'm saying. They make a conversion coupler kit for almost everything ever made. And for the ones they don't have a conversion for, they have a universal coupler that will fit anything. Look through their catalog, you'll find it. For cars and locomotives.
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.
I had a lot of cars I bought in the mid 70's that had the Rapido couplers that came with the trucks.
I replaced many with the T-shank knuckle couplers. The ones that had bad trucks I replaced the whole thing with new trucks that came with the knuckle couplers and new low flanged wheels.
I bought extras of both so on newly bought cars I can replace the complete truck assembly if it comes with large flanged wheels (pizza cutters) and Rapido coupler.