George I found the cheapest way out, if you decide to go with the Micro Train couplers, is David's suggestion #3. I use Micro Train #1015s (short shank) and screw them onto the floor of the car. The short shank gives a more prototypical look. You do need a height gage to ensure the heights are correct, most of my replacements required no shiming. If you anticipate a layout with tight radii you might have to go to the longer shank version of the MT couplers. Try a couple to check and test it out. I replaced all my Santa Fe passenger fleet (18 cars) over a period of time by using a transition car, that is one with a micro train coupler on one end and leaving a rapido coupler at the other end.