What replacement couplers do you recommend for Walthers passenger cars?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi!

While I’ve got about 25 Walthers ATSF HO passenger cars - both heavyweight & streamline - running pretty reliably, I’ve decided that my Illinois Central cars could use slightly longer couplers to more effectively negotiate my tightest mainline curves (26 in.) when backing up.

The factory couplers are the very long shank (talgo??), and I’m looking for a replacement that’s just a wee bit longer. I prefer KD, but as I will normally keep this train together, I’m not terribly particular.

Any recommendations ???

Thank you,

Mobilman44

2

I assume that you are talking about the current production of Wathers cars. While it looks like the coupler has a long shank, it is really just an extention arm for the standard coupler. Remove the 2 screws holding the end cover in place and you will see a regular coupler box. The KD 5, etc will drop right in. KD does make a longer shank version of the 5 in their 40 series if you need more space between the cars. (Just found my catalog – the #46 is the long center shank metal coupler; #36 for the plastic) Be sure to use the metal coupler if you plan to run more than 5 or 6 cars in a train. I just don’t trust the plastics to hold together.

I have also used the shelf couplers to prevent uncoupling on the uneven track of our Club’s modular layout. The top shelf needs to be cut and filed off to clear the diaphram.

Phil

3

Hi,

Kadee recommends #46 as a longer replacement, which is as you recommend. I also checked another set of “walthers passenger car” postings and that particular number pops up there as well.

One fellow recommended doing a #5 on one end and the longer #46 on the other. Since my IC consist will typically stay together, I think I’ll try that out.

Thanks for your input,

Mobilman44

4

Hi once again,

I “bit the bullet” and ordered 20 packages of KD #146 couplers from MB Klein. The 146s are the whisker version of the 46 long shank metal KDs. As suggested, I’ll start by putting one on each car, and a # 148 regular length whisker coupler on the other end.

Its a shame these really nice cars require so much after market care and feeding to get them to properly run on 26 inch curves. Being advertised to handle 24 inch curves is just not true for a number of the different types. All that being said, its a beautiful thing to watch and listen as my P2K A/A units pull a set of the IC cars - with the color of the locos actually matching the color of the cars!!!

Mobilman44