Original Style and AAR Type E Couplers

Our large-scale couplers represent the common Type E coupler and come in two types and two scale sizes "G" scale 1:22.5 and #1 scale 1:32 scale ratio. Our original coupler style has an exposed knuckle spring with minimal details. Our newer style AAR Type E (New Generation), has a much more prototypically detailed coupler head, and the knuckle spring is hidden inside the head and cannot be seen. Both styles are completely compatible with each other and use the same draft gear boxes, so the conversion information is the same for both. It is just personal preference on what coupler style you prefer to put in your equipment.

Our online handouts page has a product number cross reference chart handout for the AAR Type E New Generation and Original Style Couplers. Large Scale Coupler Chart We also have a web page with this info and product links on it also https://www.kadee.com/large-scale-coupler-reference-charts This chart is a quick and easy reference to determine the AAR Type E New Generation equivalent coupler if you have the original style coupler's part number. You can determine if we make the Coupler conversion kit in both AAR Type E New Generation and original style couplers.

If the coupler conversion kit/package is only sold in the original style of couplers not to worry. There is still an easy option still to have the AAR Type E New Generation couplers. Purchase the coupler conversion kit and then purchase the Coupler Only AAR Type E New Generation couplers that match what comes with the coupler conversion kit and swap out the couplers.

You could purchase the individual gearboxes and coupler-only AAR Type E New Generation Couplers and do what I like to call mix and match, but you may not have the extra components that some coupler conversions may require that would have come in the coupler conversion kit/package if you would have purchased the original style of coupler conversion kit/package & coupler only AAR Type E New Generation Couplers.

We only produce the most common/popular coupler conversion kits/packages in both AAR Type E New Generation and Original Style Couplers. Producing both styles is not cost-effective for all the large-scale couplers, so we sell the Coupler-only AAR Type E New Generation Couplers separately for those who want to have the more prototypical AAR Type E New Generation Couplers.