Just a question out of curiosity. When did Kadee discontinue the #47 coupler and replace it with the #147 Whisker version? What is the advantage of the 147 over the 47 with the separate centering spring? Inquiring minds want to know!!
Thanks in advance.
Len S.
Len,
Kadee is moving all their couplers to the whisker spring. I suspect that a some point only the whiskers and a variety of draft gears will be offered, since that will cover all applications.
The whiskers seem to have several advantages - they are easier to retro fit in many newer products.
They need no space behind the shank similar to the 30 series draft gear, and without those seperate springs used on the 30 series.
Sheldon
I believe that the Whisker Spring coupler is the best thing that Kadee has come out with in a long time - in my opinion.
I have a number of over exuberant operators and they sometimes hit the couplers so hard, when switching, that it will bend the brass flat spring and this will cause the coupler to no longer center properly.
Since I have begun replacing the old #5s with the whisker type I no longer have this problem.
This is the real reason I like this new type of coupler - although not having to try and hold multiple pieces when installing the coupler initially is nice too!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Easier to use, easier to install and less pieces to worry about. Any more questions?[:)]
I think Kadee intends to eventually make all of their couplers the ‘whisker’ type.
The only thing holding them back is finances to install enough assembly machines and train the operators.
Personally, I much prefer the whisker couplers over previous types because there’s only one part instead of two to fiddle with.
There you have it, the above replies say it all, it’s “easier” to install!!!
Probably cheaper to make as well since there is no brass involved and if that helps hold the price in line for awhile…great!!!
Personally I never had a problem installing the old versions, but anything that acheives the same results with less labor involved is “A-OK” in my book.
Mark
I have noticed that for some rolling stock manufacturers (Athearn blue box kits, for example), the centering spring had to be trimmed so that the coupler pocket (draft box) lid would not interfere with the spring. On some, the lid wouldn’t even come close to fitting snugly. I’ve also noticed that the “whisker” type couplers are a drop-in installation; no need to tweak the centering spring so that the delayed uncoupling worked every time. I’ve installed the older couplers, and while the knuckle would open, the coupler wouldn’t be pulled to the side for the delayed action to work properly. Not so with the whisker types. I’m completely sold on the whisker couplers.
I guess that about sums it up!!! I agree heartily, having used both types and preferring the whisker types. I’ve even been guilty of using MK II couplers until I could replace them with 147’s, just because of the ‘whiskers’.
Len S
Thanks to all for the info. You can always count on this group for quick and accurate answers.
Len S