N Scale Supply recently received samples of the new McHenry coupler from Athearn. I have been testing them in various applications by installing several pairs in place of Accumate couplers on both cars and a locomotive. This is an easy conversion as the coupler fits into the same coupler box that accepts Accumate couplers. Since I am naturally sceptical, I was pleasently surprised at how well the McHenry coupler works. I found that not only did it couple to other McHenry couplers without trouble, the McHenry coupler works well with Micro-Trains and Accumate couplers. Furthermore, I had zero unexpected uncouplings during our extensive testing of the McHenry coupler. The McHenry is slightly bulkier in appearance than either the Accumate or the Micro-Trains. Overall to me it looks more like a prototype knuckle coupler.
Athearn will start factory installing the McHenry coupler on all future releases starting with the 50' PS1 Box Car. N Scale Supply has been told to expect a selection of McHenry couplers to be offered from Athearn. We expect more details later this summer, 2008.