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Life-Like Trains 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

0-4-0 Old Time Tea Kettle

0-4-0 Old Time Tea Kettle Conversion
 

#28
 

0-4-0 Tank (Dockside)

0-4-0 Tank (Dockside) Conversion
 

#27
 

0-4-0 Switcher

0-4-0 Switcher Conversion
 

#27
 

EMD F-7 A

EMD F-7 A Conversion

#147 Truck Mount

with a

#212 Talgo Adapter
#37 Pilot,
#35 Rear Truck Mount
or
#27 Rear Truck Mount
#147 Pilot
or
#145 Rear
with a
#252 Gearbox

EMD F-7 B

EMD F-7 B Conversion

#147 Truck Mount

with a

#212 Talgo Adapter

#35 Truck Mount

#27 Truck Mount
#145
with a
#252 Gearbox

EMD F-40PH

EMD F-40PH Conversion

#148 Truck Mount

with a

#212 Talgo Adapter

#28 Truck Mount
 

EMD GP-38-2

EMD GP-38-2 Conversion

#147 Old Truck Mount

with a

#212 Talgo Adapter

#28 Old Truck Mount
 

EMD GP-38-2 (New Production)

EMD GP-38-2 (New Production) Conversion
 

#33 New Body Mount
 

Truck Mounted Freight Cars

Truck Mounted Freight Cars Conversion

#147 Truck Mount

or

#148 Truck Mount

with a

#212 Talgo Adapter

#27 Truck Mount

#28 Truck Mount
 

Body Mounted Freight Cars

Body Mounted Freight Cars Conversion

#148

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

Passenger Cars

Passenger Cars Conversion

#148 Truck Mount

with a

#212 Talgo Adapter

#28 Truck Mount
 

Observation (Back End)

Observation (Back End) Conversion

#146 Truck Mount

with a

#212 Talgo Adapter

#26 Truck Mount
 

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.