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ScaleTrains 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

Diesel Locomotives

#148

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

EMD SD40-2 EMD SD40T-2 EMD SD45 EMD SDL39 GE C39-8 GE DASH 9 GE ES44 GEVO GE ET44 Tier 4 GEVo GTEL 8500 "Big Blow" Turbine

Freight Cars

#148

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

Bethgon Coal Gondola Bethgon G52X Coal Gondola BSC F68AH Bulkhead Flatcar BSC F68BH Finger Rack Flatcar BSC F68CH-DH Flat Car CB&Q Havelock Shops 52' 6" Gondola Evans 5100 RBL Boxcar, ScaleTrains.com Evans 5100 RBL DD Box Car GATC 4180 Airslide GATC 4180 Airslide Covered Hopper GATC 4566 Airslide Gunderson 5188 Covered Hopper Gunderson Multi-Max Autorack PS-Trinity Backpacker Well Car Pullman Standard 4785 Covered Hopper Pullman-Standard PS-2CD 4785 Covered Hopper Thrall 4727 Carbon Black Hopper Thrall 5750 Carbon Black- 70's Thrall 5750 Carbon Black- 80's Thrall-Trinity 42' Coil Steel Car Trinity 31K Tank Car with Head Shields Water & Fuel Tenders

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.