Atlas Trainman 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 with Factory Knuckle Couplers

Atlas Trainman Diesel Locomotives with Factory Knuckle Couplers
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

MD GP38-2 LATE PHASE PLUS NRE GENSET II

Rolling Stock with Factory Knuckle Couplers

Atlas Trainman Rolling Stock with Factory Knuckle Couplers
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

ACF 50'6" BOX CAR EVANS 52' GONDOLA 70-TON 3-BAY OPEN HOPPER ACF 3560 CENTER FLOW COVERED HOPPER 2-BAY OFFSET HOPPER FLAT END ALUMINUM COAL GONDOLA 20' HIGH-CUBE MSW TRASH CONTAINER FLAT CAR PLUS 85' TRASH FLATCAR 40' PLUG DOOR BOX CAR PS-2, 2-BAY COVERED HOPPER CENTER CUPOLA CABOOSE THRALL 4750 COVERED HOPPER BULKHEAD FLAT CAR 1937 AAR 40' BOX CAR 2-BAY OPEN HOPPER WITH FLAT ENDS

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.