what are knuckle couplers for model trains?

model trains

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1. the things that connect them A coupling (or a coupler) is a mechanism for connecting rolling stock in a train. The design of these couplings is a standard almost as important as the railway gauge, since flexibility and convenience are maximised if all rolling stock can be coupled together.
2. The couplers are the devices which connect the cars together. In early railroading a "link and pin" coupler was used. It was no more than a large oval of iron similar to a link in a chain which fit into pockets in each car. A large iron pin had to be manually inserted to hold it together. This was slow and was dangerous for the trainmen which had to operate them. The most modern coupler used today in real railroading is the "knuckle" coupler. Cars are coupled by just pushing them together. Trainmen can uncouple cars from levers on the side. The model railroad knuckle couplers can be uncoupled by an electromagnet under the track and are coupled by the engine pushing two cars together. A picture of a model railroad knuckle coupler in O-scale can be found at: http://www.postwarlionel.com/terms/truck13a.jpg Model railroad questions are best answered by joining a Yahoo Group and asking there. There are groups for all scales in model railroading. Go to the Yahoo Groups website and search for your scale.: http://groups.yahoo.com/