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		#33
Alco RSC-2		#33
EMD F40PH	#148 in a #213 Gearbox
EMD GP-35	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD GP-35 Phase 1A & 1C	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
EMD NW2		#27 #232 Gearbox
EMD SD-40-2		#23 Rear #28 w/ Plow
EMD SD-40-2 “Snoot Nose”		#23 Rear #28 w/ Plow
GE P42	#148 in a #242 Gearbox
SD-40	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
SD-45		#33
SD-45 (New Production)	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
SD-70 MAC	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
SD-80 MAC	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
SD-90/43 MAC	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
GE C44-9CW (Dash 9)		#38
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	#148	#5 (NO.5®)	#28, #58 or #118, #119, #158
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.

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Kato HO Scale Coupler Conversions