Frequently Asked Questions

Our websites live inventory control, tracks inventory in multiple ways. "available for purchase", "committed stock" and "Out of stock".

You must use the "Product Page" to determine if something is in "Available for Purchase" "the quantity available" for purchase.
NOT the products shown in the product grid list under a category.

When product stock levels are "Available for Purchase"; product page displays.
Availability: In stock
# in stock
SKU#: product number

You can purchase the quantity listed under "Availability: In stock". Note: Some products have purchase limits for different wholesale groups, so others have the ability to purchase products also.

When product stock levels are "Committed Stock"; product page displays.
Availability: In stock
SKU#: product number

The purchasable quantity available is missing so that is why you can't add item to your cart, even thought it still shows "In stock". (The item is committed to other orders that have not shipped yet, but still is being tracked through the website inventory control.) If you had the item in your cart you will have to remove them before you are allowed to check out with your shopping cart.

When product stock levels are "Out of stock"; product page displays.
Availability: Out of stock
SKU#: product number

You can't add item to your cart if it exceeds the quantity available. If you have the item in your cart that the quantity now exceeds the quantity available, you will have to remove some or all of item to get the quantity within the available stock levels before you are allowed to check out your shopping cart.

I have been getting emails from customers telling me, there dealer is telling them we are discontinuing the #148 Whisker® bulk pack couplers, that is why they are not in stock.
Simply Not True!

Believe us when we say we are making them as fast as possible. Our #148 Whisker® coupler now outsells "Ole Reliable” NO.5® and #158 “Scale” Head Whisker® coupler outsells its predecessor #58 “Scale” Head coupler. To dispel any rumors, Kadee® is not discontinuing our #148 coupler or any other couplers.

We package #148 Whisker® bulk pack couplers (#148-25, #148-50) regularly, typically every day.

We are running live inventory so we are not back ordering anything. We have a few dealers that try to purchase every #148-25, #148-50 Whisker® bulk pack coupler they can get. We have limits of how may Whisker® bulk pack couplers dealers and distributors can purchases at a time so everyone has a chance to purchase #148 Whisker® bulk pack couplers. You have to be quick to getting your order in for the #148-25 & #148-50 Whisker® bulk pack couplers though they sell out quickly. Definitely don’t leave them in your shopping cart. Note: Putting items in your shopping cart does not hold products.

Check the website #148-25 & #148-50 Whisker® bulk pack couplers product page often to see current inventory!

Yes! As a matter of fact, several model makers equip their cars with Kadee® Couplers direct from their factories. We are certainly willing to partner with any manufacturer that wants quality couplers on their models.

They sure are. Our 20-series and 30-series couplers have very strong plastic shanks and heads but also feature metal knuckles (the moving part of the head) for extreme durability. Metal Knuckles wont bend and flex like plastic knuckles found on clone knuckle couplers. Metal knuckles grips the apposing knuckle better so knuckles won't slip apart from vertical track movement unlike slick plastic clone knuckles that will easily uncouple when you don't want them to while pulling your load.

Eventually, but we don't have any immediate plans to discontinue the NO.5®. However, every new HO Scale coupler we design will feature the Whisker® centering spring design due to the inherent convenience and durability of the Whisker® system.

Yes!

The #148 Whisker® Coupler is available in a 25-pair package (part number #148-25) or 50-pair package (part number #148-50).

The #153 Scale Head Whisker® Coupler is available in a 25-pair package (part number #153-25).

The #156 Scale Head Whisker® Coupler is available in a 25-pair package (part number #156-25).

The #158 Scale Head Whisker® Coupler is available in a 25-pair package (part number #158-25) and 50-pair package (part number #158-50).

These are the only bulk pack package couplers Whisker® couplers we have available.
We are only selling the retail offerings we have listed on our website.

Whisker® coupler equivalent to a NO.5® couplers is a #148 Whisker® coupler.

Whisker® coupler equivalent to a #58 "Scale" couplers is a #158 "Scale" Whisker® coupler.

Yes, The Scale Head couplers were designed to function with all of our other HO Scale couplers.

Scale Head couplers are even more critical that coupler height is correct using a coupler height gauge. Always make sure the coupler height is measured of the coupler heads centerline.

The 140 Whisker® Coupler Series is complete and replaces the 40-Series couplers that have been discontinued.

We will not be making any Scale Head Offset Couplers for a number of reasons.

A Offset scale head coupler would not be as strong, extra material would need to added to give it the strength, it would not be a "scale" anymore.
Another reason is the offset scale head couplers would look ugly.

Go to the coupler product page and in the coupler product information you will find the screw mounting information for the gearbox that comes with the coupler.

Most of the time body mounted couplers are operationally better than truck mounted couplers. You can use either style body mounted or truck mounted, but you really shouldn't mix body mounted or truck mounted cars together. Based on the the different way body mounted or truck mounted coupler track through corners, you should group the coupler mounting styles together as much as possible for best performance.

Our #148 Whisker® Coupler is most often a direct replacement for EZ-Mate, McHenry, or Accumate couplers.

Also make sure to check out our extensive Coupler Conversion List to see if your specific model is listed.

Both represents the common Type E coupler we just have two types. 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.

Lets just start out with the obvious the AAR Type “E” coupler has a much more prototypal appearance then our original style of coupler. The AAR Type “E” coupler contour with visible Kadee® casting marks to better replicate the prototype coupler. One other big feature if it hasn’t jumped out at you yet is were is the Knuckle spring? Yes, that is right the AAR Type “E” couplers have a hidden knuckle spring. The spring is recessed and out of sight inside the coupler head.

The AAR Type “E” coupler has a larger coupler head but has the same height knuckle as the original style of coupler this allows the two couplers to function seamless together despite the two different looks. The AAR Type “E” coupler pulling face inside of the moving knuckle has a flatter contour (draft) that reduces knuckle slide caused by a flexible mounting. The means that the couplers will not slip vertically as easily when running the AAR Type “E” coupler knuckles is also about 20% stronger due to the Knuckle design. Both designs still feature Kadee’s proven Magne-Matic® Delayed Uncoupling so you can’t go wrong with either style when it is time to upgrade from the factory couplers that came with your cars.

AAR Type E (New Generation) head couples are available in O, #1 & G Scale coupler styles.

Lets first determine if you have a clone coupler that the plastic centering spring has taken set or if it is a shallow cast on gearbox issue.

If you are using a clone coupler the centering spring has probably has taken set. Clone couplers plastics centering system will fatigue and stop centering the coupler. Plastic centering springs don't function for long before they get week and then fail entirely.

If you have a clone coupler that has quit working is is a simple fix just replace it with a Kadee® Coupler.
Clone couplers are easily replaced with long lasting Kadee couplers. Clone couplers are usually replaced with the #148 in to the cast on gearbox but there are a few exceptions. Use the coupler conversion guide to determine what coupler to replace the clone coupler with. Remove the clone coupler and replace it with the Kadee coupler, reattach the lid and you are up and running. Always check your coupler heights with the #205 or #206 coupler height gauge.

If you have a Kadee® Coupler that is not moving freely back and forth in a cast on gearbox. It is a simple fix and it will be one of two things.
Option one: The simplest fix is the screw holding the lid on is to tight and you just need to loosen it slightly.
Option two: You have yourself a shallow cast on gearbox instead of a standard cast on gearbox. Clone couples droop in standard gearboxes. So some clone coupler manufacturers started shallowing up the standard coupler cast on gearbox to help with their droopy coupler design. The fix is a simple one. You just have to file the top of the coupler a few strokes usually just enough to take off the black coloring to make the Kadee coupler function correctly in the shallow gearbox.

Yes, Kadee® is manufacturing and selling Large Scale Remote Couplers; But not HO Scale Remote Couplers. Kadee® entered into an agreement with Subarashi Models, the manufacturer of the Smart Coupler®, utilizing Kadee® Couplers and under License of Kadee® Quality Products.

Kadee® Large Scale Remote Couplers can be found on our website under Shop by category/Couplers/Remote Couplers in the drop down menu. We have three Remote Couplers the #11115 Kadee-RC G Scale Remote Coupler - Body Mount Coupler Kit, #11220 Kadee-RC G Scale Remote Coupler - Actuated Body Mount Coupler with Gearbox, and #11221 Kadee-RC 1 Scale Remote Coupler - Actuated Body Mount Coupler with Gearbox. All are operated by servo control. Can be used with the #11130 Servo Controller, any encoder, receivers or servo control that provide an output for standard hobby servos.

No, Kadee® is not selling Subarashi HO Scale Smart Couplers. Kadee® has entered into an agreement with Subarashi Models, the manufacturer of the Smart Coupler®, utilizing Kadee® Couplers and under License of Kadee® Quality Products. If you have questions about the Smart Coupler® or wish to order the Smart Coupler® you will need to contact Subarashi Models. Please visit www.smart-coupler.com.

We make couplers for HOn3, HO, S, On3, O, #1, & G Scale. This means we make a coupler and height gauge for that particular scale.

You can always take one of our existing scale's couplers and mount it on a different scale model then what it was intended for. You just wont have a height gauge to check coupler height, and you will be on your own in custom mounting the coupler at the correct height and make it function correctly. Luckily we have the #308 uncoupling magnet that is very versatile for a wide range of scales (HO through O Scale).

So like what Bachmann did with there On30 cars mounting HO scale couplers on the On30 cars since On30 cars run on HO track. Prior to Bachman On30 cars most people mounted On3 Couplers on On30 cars at On3 coupler height. You can go either way you just have to be consistent and can't mix and match the coupler sizes.

Like our #705 HOn3 Coupler it can be adapted to work with TT-scale.

There are two sizes of couplers that are used on On30 models, standard head HO scale couplers (like our #5 and #148) found on Bachmann On30 models and On3 size of couplers (our #803) used on On30 models made by manufacturers of On3 models.

If you have mostly Bachmann On30 models use our #148 HO coupler & the #205 or 206 coupler height gauge.
(Note that the HO couplers are mounted at HO coupler height and not the higher On3O coupler height.) #815 On30 Coupler height gauge height.

I can’t say what size of coupler to use on the Accucraft or San Juan cars, all I can say is whatever size coupler you choose to use on your On30 models. You will also have to figure out how to make the couplers custom fit the cars you are modeling at the correct height.

Most HO Scale plastic gearboxes are made from Styrene.
With a few exceptions, The #262, #451, #178, #711, #712, #713, #714, logging cars, & trucks with coupler gearboxes are made from Engineering plastic (Acetal Reason) that is non-glueable.
Some older production runs of #233 & #234 were made from modified resin Engineering plastic consisting of amorphous blends of polyphenylene oxides (PPO) or polyphenylene ether (PPE) resins with polystyrene that is glueable. Now they are made from Styrene.

Models with factory knuckle couplers are easily converted by using our #148 or "scale" head #158 Whisker® Couplers. If your model does not have factory knuckle couplers please visit our Coupler Conversions page for our complete list of conversions.

Coupler conversion recommendations are based on: manufacturer, type of model, overhang, end-of-car clearance, and if the original coupler mounting will be used.

Sorry, We are not selling any individual product components out of our product packages, special packaged product or special request car parts.
We are only selling retail product packages that are on our website.

The most common reason is the wire on the coil has a clear thin insulation which needs to be scraped back for the wiring connections. Because the insulation is clear it is often overlooked.

First, You need to determine what mounting style is the truck you are wanting to replace. Does it mount with a screw on a flat surface, a screw on a post, or does it mount with a push pin. You may need to modify your car to make a Kadee truck work on your car. Our trucks are designed to mount on a flat surface and are designed to be mounted with a #2 size of screw.

We produce U.S. style of freight trucks. Choice of Kadee truck style & features are all personal preference. We have sprung trucks, sprung trucks with couplers, self centering sprung trucks, HGC trucks and even some HGC trucks with semi scale code 88 wheels on them. The style of side frame is personal preference also depending on if you are proto type modeling or if you just want something that you like to looks of. There is not really a wrong answer when it comes to choosing a truck to put on your car, unless you are trying to be prototypical and then you need to do your research. Some of the most comin & popular styles of trucks are A.S.F.® A-3 Ride Control® & Bettendorf trucks.

Our self-centering trucks have a special wedge shaped bushing in the bolster that secures the truck to the car. When you lift the car the truck drops onto the wedge which aligns it with the length of the car. This reduces the fooling around you have setting the car on the rails. When the car is setting on its wheels the trucks are disengaged from the wedge and a pivot freely until the car is picked up.

The term Code 110 and Code 88 relates to the width of the wheels. Code 110 wheels are .110" wide and Code 88 are .088" wide.

Code 110 wheels are the common (or standard) width wheels and Code 88 are what is called "semi scale" and are used when the modeler wants a more prototypical looking wheel width.

The 2-56 x 1/4” and 2-56 x 3/8” screws are the most common for mounting trucks.

See Machine Screw Sizes Chart.

Sorry No, Our trucks are designed to mount on a flat surface which usually requires that you trim off any post the original truck pivoted around. Our trucks, as well as most after market trucks, are designed to be mounted with a #2 size of screw.

Our trucks are designed to mount on a flat surface which usually requires that you trim off any post the original truck pivoted around. Our trucks, as well as most after market trucks, are designed to be mounted with a #2 size of screw.

Sorry No, Our trucks are designed to mount on a flat surface and are designed to be mounted with a #2 size of screw. So if you have a hole were the trucks were attached larger then a #2 screw. Then you will have to fill the hole with filler or glue styrene tubing in place to fill the hole, Then tap and drill for a #2 screw.

Our trucks are designed to mount on a flat surface and are designed to be mounted with a #2 size of screw. So if you have a hole were the trucks were attached larger then a #2 screw. Then you will have to fill the hole with filler or glue styrene tubing in place to fill the hole, Then tap and drill for a #2 screw.

Track code and wheel code have no relationship meaning Code 110 and Code 88 will run on most any code of track. Track code is simply the measured height of the rail, code 100 is .100" tall, code 83 is .083" tall, code 70 is .070" tall, and so on.

Code 110 wheels are the standard wheels you find on most cars. Code 88 wheels are for prototype modeling and those who want more of a prototype look. Both code 110 wheels and code 88 wheels are interchangeable and perform the same it is all personal preference.

No, we do not make passenger car trucks. We only manufacture freight car and caboose trucks.

Sorry No, We produce U.S. style of freight trucks.

We do not sell any N or Z scale products. Kadee® manufactures HOn3 through G scale products only. We recommend that you contact Micro-Trains at mtl@micro-trains.com for N and Z scale information. Kadee® Quality Products and Micro-Trains split into two completely separate companies in 1990. Micro-Trains manufactures only N and Z Scale products, and a few HOn3 products.

We’d like to but we have so many projects going on and a very long list of future projects. So unless something becomes a priority we really do not know when we’ll get to it.

There is a lot that goes in to producing a viable product, that one may not think about. The popularity of the scale is as well as the potential sales of the product determines were the project falls on our project list. We have to be able to justify building the molds and tooling to produce a potential product and bring it to market, then look at the investment recovery time and determine if the potential product is even cost effective to produce.

Kadee uses a water base paint for the bodies that matches the color of the styrene parts. The other parts are unpainted Acetal plastic.

The stenciling is Silk Screen Enamel and for those who wish to remove the stenciling Acetone or Acetone base solvent works the best but you can also use Alcohol but there’s a bit more scrubbing. Both Acetone and Alcohol will also remove the paint which leaves a shiny area.

We use an industrial paint company to formulate our paint and custom match the colors we need. Unfortunately we do not have any information regarding alternative aftermarket paint colors that match our paints. We leave it up to the modeler to find a paint match when needed.

Also, the bodies and doors of our cars have a thin coat paint on them and the add-on detail parts are unpainted Acetal plastic. We spend a great deal of time getting our paint and plastic to color match.

We have decided on our next car and it is in the works. We have quite a number of other projects we are presently working on so it may be quite some time before we finish the car project. No, we can't say anymore about the project you will just have to wait and see when it is Finished.

Our main focus is on our coupler production, which is our primary product. Our freight car line is only a secondary line. It takes years for us to research, design, produce the molds and tooling to assemble a car from start to finish.

We sure can. And we have done so several times for customers. Have a custom run of the finest cars produced for your club or organization. We require a minimum order of 300 cars. Completely made in the U.S.A. Call Kadee® today at (541) 826-3883.

Check out some of the Custom Car Runs that we have done for our clients.

We do not announce new products prior to their release. The production of new products is dependent on demand and priorities. We don't want to commit to releasing something on a specific time line and then not be able to meet the deadline due to an unforeseen incident coming up.

We are running live inventory on our website. So you can look up any product we produce and see how many we have in stock for purchase at any given time.

We try not to have any products out of stock, but we do from time to time it happens. We try to get popular products back in stock as soon as possible; usually with in a matter of days. Some odd specialty products (ex: detail parts, undecorated cars) may be out of stock until we run more parts for a production run. We have to justify the setup of a production run of parts and detail parts by them self's don't justify the production run setup.

We have been experiencing such a high demand on some of our products we are having trouble producing and packaging them fast enough to keep them in stock for any length of time. Rest assured they are being produced and going in to stock; they are just being purchased faster than you have time to shop for them on the site.

While we can't control the inventory or business practices of hobby shops, we do provide Kadee® products factory direct when they are not available from your hobby shop.

Some hobby shops may not order directly from a Kadee® and instead may use a distributor that might not stock all Kadee® products. Please feel free to order direct from us at anytime.

We are not accepting backorders on products at this time.

No. We do not offer bulk orders or quantity discounts.

The best way to contact us is to use the contact us web form. this way we get all the important required information the department needs the first time to answered your question.

You may contact us any time via email at mail@kadee.com.

You can also call our office at +1 (541) 826-3883
Our office hours are:

• 7:00AM PT - 3:45PM PT, Monday-Thursday
• 7:00AM PT - 11:45AM PT, Friday

We look forward to hearing from you