Does anyone have any experience with the Kadee #148 couplers? I was considering using them from now on instead of the #5 if they work as (or nearly as) well as the #5.
Thanks!
Zachary
Actually they work better than the 5 and are easier to install. They work better because the spring pressure is perfectly balanced from each side
I like them better than the #5. I plan on replacing the #5s on all my locos with the #148. I agree that they center better and are easier to install. Another advantage is more lateral travel, which is an advantage on tight radius curves.
Jim
The coupler size is similar to the #5 but the shank is shorter. I bought a couple to try them out, they work fine but I find the #58 more prototypical.
Now if we could just get Kadee to make the springs on the #58 coupler like the springs on the #148 coupler then I would be whole lot happier! Jim
I have installed the #148’s in about 12 rolling stock and one loco. I really like them. I have several boxcars that they work better in than the #5’s. Too tight with the 5’s but just right for the 148. Most of my rolling stock all ready have the #5’s and I have no intention of replacing them w/148’s. however any new stock I get I will probably go with the 148’s.
Terry[8D]
i have about 25 cars with the 148’s installed and they work great.imo far better than the #5 with the bronze centering.also have them on several of my loco’s and they work great.terry…
[#ditto] I buy my poor LHS out of them every time he gets them in. I keep hoping that kadee will come out with the 148 style across the board. with underset and overset shank types.
I wi***hey’d come out with a 20 pack of them 148s.
The #5’s come with coupler boxes for $0.81ea. MRSP, and the centering spring is designed for ‘Delayed’ uncoupling.
These can be bought in #10 10 packs for $0.70 MRSP (no coupler box).
The #148 ‘Whisker’ coupler includes a centering spring for simplified ‘drop in’ to others’ coupler boxes@ $0.93 ea MRSP.
Top to bottom difference in pricing of $0 .46 per car is inconsequential unless you’re doing 100 cars. It comes down to a simple ‘drop-in’ coupler VS a patented ‘Delayed’ one. A delayed one can uncouple over a magnet, and be pushed to a drop off spot.
If you are not going to magnetically uncouple - like in a yard - why bother? Pay the difference.