I bought some of the new Kadee #148 metal whisker couplers to give them a try, and am very happy with them so far. Not having to mess with a separate centering spring is a definite improvement over their previous #5.
For those who may not yet know, the #148 is a direct replacement for old reliable #5, but now without the need for the separate bronze centering spring. The #148 has a metal “whisker” centering spring made of wire that is crimped around the back of the shank and protrudes at a slight angle on both sides. My first impression is that the Kadee metal centering spring will not weaken in time or from exposure to high temperatures, or snap off, like its plastic counterparts from the other manufacturers sometimes tend to do.
Rumors have been circulating that Kadee intends to discontinue the #5 now that the #148 is here to replace it, but one official from Kadee has said that they will continue to produce the #5 for the foreseeable future; probably until everyone starts using the #148 instead of the #5, and sales of the #5 no longer justify its production.
I don’t know what Kadee’s MSRP is, but the only place I could find them was Cherry Creek Hobbies in Torrington, Wyoming, for $3.20 per package of 4. He has the old #5’s for $2.40 per package of 4, so there is a price difference.
I recall when the couplers age and dirt settles in, I have taken apart couplers, and cleaned them. I have cleaned the coupler centering springs,
They sell a lubricating dust for the couplers, but when that combines with dust/moisture/oils that float in, its crud.
Take away one item to clean, you have a better coupler.
I would think Kadee has tried and true tested the coupler.
They are smart cookies there.
No, the shank is a little thicker to make up for the lack of the separate centering spring, so no shimming is necessary unless you would have had to use one with a #5.
Nothing but a standard length, center set shank to replace the #5 has been released. It would be nice if Kadee came out with all of the different varieties of shank length and head placement, and they may do so if the #148 sells well enough. Right now, I think they’re still just test marketing.
Bubba [ >^…^< ] likes them too. I’m in agreement with cacole, but for the 20 cent or so difference in price, it’s worth it to me with my older fingers when it becomes time to replace couplers. Ken
No expert but it really looks like Kadee has seen the future, that being the fact that other manufacturer couplers are much easier to install because of the centering spring thing. It’s good to see that they are keeping pace with the market.
well hopefully the whiskers will keep the coupler centered.i’ve been using the #5 since the 1960’s and always have had problems with the bronze centering spring.even installing them per directions, sooner or later the coupler would be off a little.(not completely centered)can’t wait to try them out.
Given that Kadee is calling a #148, and there is no #48 (see above link) as a #48 would be a #5, it is reasonable to expect that the line will be filled out. Same with a “#158” to add to the #58.