Life-Like Trains Proto 2000 HO Scale Coupler Conversions

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Coupler Conversions
HO Scale Coupler Conversions
Life-Like Trains Proto 2000

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 FA-1	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
Alco FB-1	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
Alco FA-2		#36 Front, #26 Front or #38 Rear, #28 Rear
Alco FB-2		#28 #38
Alco PA and PB		#26 Pilot #23 Rear
Alco PA and PB For Close Coupling		#455
Alco S-1	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD BL-2 Diesel		#32 #22	#142 in a #252 Gearbox
EMD E-6 A & B		#23
EMD E-6 A & B For Close Coupling		#455
EMD E-7 A & B		#26 Pilot #23 Ends
EMD E-8/9 A		#33 or #453 (Discontinued)
EMD E-8/9 (New Production)		#26 Pilot #23 Ends
EMD E-8/9 (New Production) For Close Coupling		#455
EMD GP-9	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD GP-18		#28 #38	#148 or #158 in a #252 Gearbox
EMD GP-18 (New Production)	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD GP-20	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD GP-30	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD GP-38-2	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD GP-60	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD SD-7		#23 CM #33 CM	#143 in a #252 Gearbox
EMD SD-9		#33	#143 in a #252 Gearbox
EMD SD-45	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD SD-60	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD SD-60M	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD SW-600, 8, 900	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD SW-9/1200	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
Box Car, 50’ DD Auto	#148	#5 (NO.5®) #33	#143 in a #252 Gearbox
Caboose		#38	#148 or #158 in a #252 Gearbox
Other Freight Car Kits	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
Factory Assembled Cars (RTR)	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158

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.