Couplers for HOn3

The Sergent Engineering EN87 is perfect for HOn3 applications. While it's true that many isolated and industrial narrow gauge lines used smaller couplers than their standard gauge cousins, many did not. In fact, most of the Colorado lines used standard gauge couplers. K27 and K28 Mikados had tractive effort matching many standard gauge locomotives and standard gauge couplers were a must! On the opposite side of country, the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina also used standard gauge couplers on their narrow gauge cars and commonly moved standard gauge cars with narrow gauge engines!

The photo below compares a shortened EN87 coupler with the traditional HOn3 coupler. This photo contrasts the realism of the Sergent Engineering coupler with what was previously the HOn3 modeler's only option. Now HOn3 modelers have a real choice in couplers. As an added bonus, the EN87 can operate (albeit manually) with the traditional HOn3 couplers, so you can upgrade a little at a time!

To the left is a yet-to-be-completed HOn3 model of an ET&WNC boxcar with an EN87 installed. Installation of the EN87 on HOn3 models is easy because the shortened draft gear box dimensions are the same as those used on traditional HOn3 couplers. Not only that, but they look great, are much easier to assemble than the leading brand, and they provide for very realistic operation.

Photos below show how easy it is to shorten the EN87 draft gear box for HOn3 applications.

Modification of the EN87 for HOn3 applications is a snap. As shown in the picture to the right, use a hobby knife to cut off the box top flush with the rear assembly boss. Next press the shortened top part to the yet-to-be-shortened bottom part. Using the already shortened top as a guide, slice off the bottom to the same length as shown below. To complete, assemble the EN87 couplers per the instructions. Click here for more information on the EN87.