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Stewart Hobbies Inc. 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 C-628 “Century”

#146

#26
 

Alco C-630 “Century”

#146

#26
 

Alco RS-3

Alco RS-3 Conversion

#148

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

Baldwin AS-16

Baldwin AS-16 Conversion
 

#22
 

Baldwin VO-1000

Baldwin VO-1000 Conversion

#148

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

EMD FT A & B
(Pilot and Rear of B)

EMD FT A & B (Pilot and Rear of B) Conversion

#148

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

EMD FT A & B
(Between A & B)

EMD FT A & B (Between A & B) Conversion
 

#35
 

EMD F-3 A & B

EMD F-3 A & B Conversion
 

#450
 

EMD F-7 A & B

EMD F-7 A & B Conversion
 

#450
 

EMD F-7 A & B
New Production

EMD F-7 A & B New Production Conversion
 

#35 Pilot

#5 Rear
#58 Rear
or
#145 in a #252 Gearbox

EMD F-7 A & B
New Production
Close Coupling

EMD F-7 A & B New Production Close Coupling Conversion
 

#450
 

EMD F-9 A & B Units

EMD F-9 A & B Units Conversion
 

#35 Pilot

#5 Rear
#58 Rear
or
#145 in a #252 Gearbox

EMD F-9 A & B Units
Close Coupling

EMD F-9 A & B Units Close Coupling Conversion
 

#450
 

GE U25B

GE U25B Conversion

#148

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

Rolling Stock

Rolling Stock Conversion

#148

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

Anywhere a NO.5® is listed, the #28, #58 or #118, #119, #158, #148 Whisker® Coupler can be used in its place.

Newer models that have factory-installed knuckle couplers are easily converted by 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 try 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.