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Kato HO Scale Coupler Conversions

The perfect solution for all of your coupler woes. Thanks to our extensive list of HO Scale coupler conversions, it's easier than ever to fit Kadee® Couplers onto your locomotives and rolling stock. Our conversions typically require the least modification to your model, and the How-To Instructions and diagrams make fitting your new couplers a breeze. Remember to always check your coupler heights with our #206 Coupler Height Gauge. We've done the hard work for you, so find the perfect coupler in the list below.*

  Whisker® Metal Coupler Standard Coupler Other Coupler Options

Alco RS-2

Alco RS-2 Conversion
 

#33
 

Alco RSC-2

Alco RSC-2 Conversion
 

#33
 

EMD F40PH

EMD F40PH Conversion

#148

in a

#213 Gearbox
 
 

EMD GP-35

EMD GP-35 Conversion

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD GP-35 Phase 1A & 1C

EMD GP-35 Phase 1A & 1C Conversion

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD NW2

EMD NW2 Conversion
 

#27

#232 Gearbox
 

EMD SD-40-2

EMD SD-40-2 Conversion
 

#23 Rear

#28 w/ Plow
 

EMD SD-40-2 “Snoot Nose”

EMD SD-40-2 “Snoot Nose” Conversion
 

#23 Rear

#28 w/ Plow
 

GE P42

GE P42 Conversion

#148

in a

#242 Gearbox
 
 

SD-40

SD-40 Conversion

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

SD-45

SD-45 Conversion
 

#33
 

SD-45 (New Production)

SD-45 (New Production) Conversion

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

SD-70 MAC

SD-70 MAC Conversion

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

SD-80 MAC

SD-80 MAC Conversion

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

SD-90/43 MAC

SD-90/43 MAC Conversion

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

GE C44-9CW (Dash 9)

GE C44-9CW (Dash 9) Conversion
 

#38
 

Diesel locomotives with Factory Knuckle Couplers

Diesel locomotives with Factory Knuckle Couplers

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

EMD SD40-2 Mid Production GE AC4400CW GE C44-9W

ACF 70 TON Covered Hopper

ACF 70 TON Covered Hopper Conversion

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

Freight Cars with Factory Knuckle Couplers

Freight Cars with Factory Knuckle Couplers

#148

#5 (NO.5®)
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

Gunderson MAXI-IV Well Cars + Containers

All Passenger Cars

#451
 
 

Kato passenger car coupler adaptor (85065K)
(Bi-Level and SuperLiner Passenger Car)

#5 (NO.5®)

#28

or

#58

Anywhere a NO.5® is listed, the #28, #58 or #118, #119, #120, #158, #148 Whisker® Coupler can be used in its place.

Newer models with factory-installed knuckle couplers are easily converted using our standard head #148 or scale head #158 Whisker® Couplers.
If you need a longer coupler, use the #146 or scale head #156 Whisker® Coupler.

Shallow cast-on gearbox fix: If you have a Kadee® Coupler that is not moving freely back and forth in a shallow cast-on gearbox. This is because some clone knuckle coupler manufacturers started molding shallow cast-on gearboxes on their models to fix the problems with their drooping clone knuckle couplers. The fix is a simple one. You have to file the top of the coupler shank a few strokes with a file, usually just enough to remove the black coloring to make the Kadee coupler function correctly in the non-standard shallow cast-on gearbox.

*Our conversions are based on only one model from a production run; there may be inconsistencies in a model’s production run that require a different coupler or model modifications to achieve the proper coupler height for coupler function.

** Metal Coupler Note: It is not recommended to use a metal coupler directly on a metal surface to avoid the possible electrical crossover or shorting that may cause damage.