What are the benefits of using Kadee’s whisker couplers versus their regular # 5 couplers. I have come to the conclusion that their new # 158 whisker is comparable to their old # 5. Am I right in this assumption. One other quick question…What is the best size of screw to mount Kadee’s with? I know the #158’s are more expensive than the # 5’s…hence my post…Any replies would be appreciated…Thanks
Whisker couplers have 2 advantages:
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A better box design (it just clips together).
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No more fussing with the stamped PB spring, the spring is on the shaft of the coupler. The centering action is perfect.
If you want a direct replacement for the #5s, then you need to look at the #148s. #158s have a smaller head to them.
In terms of screws, 2-56 is used.
David B
The main benefit of the Kadee Whisker coupler is that the centering spring is integrated into the coupler as one piece (like the plastic McHenry/EZ Mate), rather than a separate piece as on the #5.
The #158 is the Whisker counterpart to the #58 scale coupler. It’s smaller and more closely resembles a prototypical coupler. The #148 is the Whisker equivalent to the #5. I don’t know why the scale is more expensive than the #5, but my best guess is that it’s slightly more complex to make. The #5 and #58 are compatible with each other.
The screw size for the center hole for a Kadee #5 or #58 series coupler is 2-56.
Ditto what David B says. I’ve replaced most of the couplers with 148’s on my rolling stock. Less parts to fiddle with and the centering is perfect. The 148’s are now available in bulk.
Thanks Johnathan and David… Appreciate the advice. Any suggestions on proper drilling dor the screws and what tools are the best for this job??..Thanks
Most of my rolling stock’s draft gear boxes are already are compatible with the #5/58, so I just use those. Some of them (cough Walthers cough) have those stupid “press-fit” covers on the draft gear boxes. I drill those out with a 2-56 tap, the an 2-56 drill. Kadee sells 2-56 screws and washers as well.
Get a 2-56 tap and drill set.
David B
Model Railroader forums, now in stereo! [{(-_-)}]
Thanks again gentlemen…Will put your much appreciated advice to practice in the next few weeks . It is really good to have someone to steer you in the right direction. David to you…Good luck with the Flames…Playoffs are here again…Let the good times and the puck roll.
Some things I’ve noticed about the whiskers. On some loco coupler pockets, you need to bend the whisker centering springs out a bit more to get them to center properly. I’ve also noticed the magnet uncouplers have a tendency to pull the whole coupler to the side instead of just opening the knuckle. It seems like the whisker spring is a bit weaker than the old brass spring the #5’s had. I still like them better though.
I haven’t tried the whiskers yet but I will eventually. I like the idea of not having to mess with a centering spring.
The old centering spring is made of phosphorbronze not brass.
Quote from Artofruin: “I drill those out with a 2-56 tap, the an 2-56 drill.”
I hope you drill the holes first, then tap them.[:-^]
Wth apologies to DAVE BEDARD: [QUOTE]"Whisker couplers have 2 advantages:
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A better box design (it just clips together).
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No more fussing with the stamped PB spring, the spring is on the shaft of the coupler. The centering action is perfect.[/QUOTE]
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WHISKER couplers are designed to ‘drop’ into the supplied coupler box. (No box). 2. They are slighly more expensive, and their appeal is to the the installer who doesn’t want to assemble the normal Kadee #5 coupler box and spring.
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As for “perfect” centering, #5 and 40 series couplers have springs and angled heads to better promote ‘Delayed uncoupling’, a Kadee patent. This occurs when different dynamic forces are used to ‘center’ the coupler, as with the #5 and 40’s flat springs…
This change is to make it easier for neophites to ‘drop in’ a replacement coupler and depend more on the various brand’s coupler pockets for operation, like the competition. I see the ‘whisker’ replacing the 30 series. Sales will determine it’s success.
Check out the new #250. A’whisker in the short 30 housng.
Just went to the Kadee site - no mention of a 250 coupler. I would love to see a whisker to work in the 30 box, especially if Kadee does all the variations - centerset, underset, overset, long short and medium shanks. I’ve had hit-or-miss times with the spring (getting it in, too weak, etc.).
There is a new product announcement for a 252, which has 10 pair per pack.