I want to change over the couplers on my locomotives and I was wondering what couplers are good for the locos. I have Kadee #5’s but does anyone else have a better suggestion for Engine couplers?
Some locomotives use a type F coupler. A Kadee #118 can be modified to simulate the type F.
I use the Kadee #118 to simulate the type H coupler for passenger service. Nice coupler and it is fully compatible with other Kadee couplers.
It will depend on the locomotive, and also possible limitations of your track geometry. For example, couplers with a shorter shank than the #5 to close-couple an A-B-A of F-units will give a much better appearance. But if your curves are sharp, you have to leave the unprototypical large gaps. With some locomotives the #5s may not be at the correct height and one of the offset versions will be required. The #5 also uses quite a long box and some may not have room for it.
In short, the #5’s may work in many places but likely not every single one. The other KDs are there to be used when the #5 does not work. A height gauge will be useful if you don’t already have one.
Others may wish to comment on the alternative of the smaller, more scale sized, KD couplers.
John
Kadee has a list:
http://www.kadee.com/conv/holist.pdf
#5’s aren’t appropriate for everything. The list will help you figure out what is the proper coupler for your given loco or piece of rolling stock.
–Randy
Thanks Randy,
I just checked out the list and it helps. I have looked at the Kadee website and overlooked the list.
The Kadee site also has a section (conversions, I think) that gives you instructions on how to install the “correct” couplers. Some require a little cutting and filing, but the instructions seem quite easy to follow.
Good luck,
Richard