P2K coupler replacement options?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I just received my P2K A/B E7’s (PRR) yesterday - wow, they’re beautiful. I got hooked on this loco after visiting the museum at Strasburg, PA. I’m a little disappointed in the couplers - I can’t even get the rear one on the A unit to work properly. I’ve read through some old posts and am aware of the Kadee conversions available.

I’m thinking about a drawbar between the units, like my Stewart FT. They will likely stay together so coupling/uncoupling isn’t that much of an issue, and I’m not thrilled about drilling/tapping for the close coupler conversion. Any opinions on which way to go based on your experience?

2

Replace the plastic couplers with Kadees. #5’s are probably the closest replacement to what you’ve got, but Kadee also makes special couplers with different shank lengths. You might find a shorter one that works.

3

Go to the Kadee ‘conversion’ guide:

http://www.kadee.com/conv/holist.pdf

They suggest THE #26 for the pilot and #23 for the ends. They even have an on-line PDF showing the conversion:

http://www.kadee.com/conv/pdf/l333.pdf

Kadee also has a special ‘swing’ bracket kit available:

http://www.kadee.com/html/453%26454.pdf

Jim Bernier