I know this subject has been covered somewhere but I cannot find where.
I am finally operating a few trains on my N scale layout. Most of my rolling stock is Micro-Trains straight out of the box with a few “other” brands converted to MT truck mounted couplers.
What is the most reliable or preferred and why??
Advantages of body mounting couplers: 1. more realistic appearance (especially if Z couplers are mounted) 2. Better tracking when pushing cars (particuarly when pushing long strings)
Disadvantages of body mounting: 1. wider radius curves may be needed. 2. couplers must be very accurately mounted along centerline of the cars and in height. Basically it can be very difficult to do it right and if not done correctly operation will be worse (both pulling and pushing) than with truck mounts.
So far few, none that I can think of, N scale cars except for cabooses (not even the best) come with body mounted couplers or even “drill points” marked for body mounts. MicroTrains used to market replacement frames with pre-drilled holes (to fit their box cars). I don’t know if they still do. Hopper cars are particuarly difficult to convert to body mounts. I have seen after market kits for some hoppers advertised.
Better quality locos now come with body mounts and there are MTL conversion kit most older and cheaper locos that make body mounting fairly easy. It really improves the looks of the locos.
Truck mountrd MTL couplers work reliably in most circumstances so most N scalers, including me, see no reason to change.