I purchased an HO KATO C44-9W that apparently was from their first run. It came with old Atlas style horn and hook couplers that were just held with a long plastic peg. How can I convert this to Kadees?
First, try the Kadee web site at www.kadee.com and see if they list that locomotive. If so, they’ll tell you exactly what you need. Or, if you have a knowledgeable LHS, take it there and see if they can help you out. If you’ve got a digital camera, or a film camera and a scanner, post a picture for us and maybe we can help you. If all else fails, go buy a set of Kadee #5 couplers and try them out. They are the most common couplers, and fit almost all applications. If they don’t fit, then take a look at what the problem is. Too long, too short, too high or too low, Kadee makes another model that will correct the problem.
If the coupler shaft doesn’t fit in the pocket, you may need to get a set of “draft gear boxes” from Kadee.
use a kadee #5 coupler
If it does not fit in the box on the engine use a Kadee box from the paper package of couplers.
Simply pull the plastic pin out with a pair of pliers, remove the old coupler, and insert a Kadee #5, #148, or a McHenry with knuckle spring. Slip the coupler and its cover back into the locomotive and replace the plastic pin.
I beleive Kato had only one run of its C44-9W. I have 4 of them that I converted to Kadee #5, using the Kadee coupler box. You will have to cut the ears of the box and file it down thick wise until it fit the coupler opening of the loco.
I also replaced the pin with a 2-56 bolt. If memory is ok, the hole is already the correct size you only need to tab it and the job is done.