Greetings,
I have a Kato NW2 switcher that I want to replace the horn hook couplers for Kadees. The Kadee site says to use “27 in 5 Box”. I get that the “27” means #27 coupler. Does the “in 5 box” mean to use a #232 gear box that is normally used for the #5 coupler?
Thanks for the help…
Tom
The #232 box has ears, Tom. You could use it but you would have to trim them off.
The #242 Box is a better choice. They easily snap into the Kato retainer. You’ll probably have to file one lip of the box or shorten the “shelf” on the bottom of the Kato retainer.
https://kadee.com/htmbord/page242.htm
Good Luck, Ed
Thanks, Ed. Most of the suggestions are pretty straightforward on the Kadee site. That one had me scratching my head. [:S]
And it was no small nor fun feat getting that Kato NW2 shell off the chassis. I had to apply so much force prying it up (using Kato’s suggested method, I might add) that the deck started to stress and tear. [|(]
I filed down those four round bumps on the chassis considerably so that shouldn’t be an issue again. The Kato engineer that dreamed up that feature should have his engineer license revoked. A ridiculously stupid design that made the shell waaaay more difficult to remove than it should. [N]
Tom
Tom,Why doesn’t the KD coupler fit the Kato coupler box since the KD coupler is a drop on fit for the majority of the coupler boxes?
I installed 148s in my Kato GP35 with no issues.
Larry,
The OD of the center pin on the Kato coupler box is too small for the ID on the Kadee coupler shank. If might work if there was an insert that I could slide over the center pin to make up the difference in ODs.
Tom
I’ve used heat shrink tubing before…most times, a perfect fit. I have a container with different compartments for every size made. Don’t even have to heat it.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
That’s an excellent suggestion, Frank! [Y][:D] I’ll try that when I get home tonight - Thanks!
Tom
I used to have a KATO NW2 switcher and IIRC, I simply used a KD#5 in it’s draft gear box. And as the usual case for KATO mountings, I had to cut the ears off so it would slide into the coupler mounting hole.
It might be the #27 is a better length but based on my mounting, I’d say the mean the draft gear box that comes with the standard #5 KD coupler. It mounted ok for me. I don’t have that NW2 as I sold it since it was outside my modeling time-frame.
Tom and group, the #5 box (#232) mentioned is included with the #27 coupler package as in all of our 20 series couplers there are optional boxes and adapters.
The Kato NW2 has a unique coupler mounting unlike other Kato locomotives and the conversion info “only” applies to this locomotive and visa versa. This conversion required an underset #27 coupler to raise the coupler head to the correct height. Our conversion info is based on the particular model we have in our possesion so if others used a centerset coupler like the #5 on their NW2s all the better and good for you.
Most of our older conversions we done long before our whisker couplers were introduced so yes the newer #242 snap together box that comes with our whisker couplers will certainly work for this conversion.
Sam Clarke Kadee Quality Products
I appreciate the input and clarification, Sam - Thanks! [:D]
Tom