Bowser Mfg Co 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

2-8-0 Consolidation

2-8-0 Consolidation Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

2-8-2 Mikado

2-8-2 Mikado Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

2-10-0 Decapod

2-10-0 Decapod Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

4-4-2 Atlantic

4-4-2 Atlantic Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

4-6-2 Pacific

4-6-2 Pacific Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

4-8-2 Mountain

4-8-2 Mountain Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

4-6-6-4 Challenger

4-6-6-4 Challenger Conversion
 

Tenders (Penn Line)

Tenders (Penn Line) Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

Low Side Tender

Any Medium Center Set Coupler

High Side Tender

Any Medium Center Set Coupler

T-7 Type Tender

T-7 Type Tender Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

SP-1 Semi Vanderbuilt Tender

Any Medium Center Set Coupler

FM H-16 -44 Diesel (Bowser Box)

FM H-16 -44 Diesel  (Bowser Box) Conversion
 
 

FM H-16 -44 Diesel (In a Kadee Box)

FM H-16 -44 Diesel (In a Kadee Box) Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

Diesel Locomotives with Factory Knuckle Couplers

Diesel Locomotives with Factory Knuckle Couplers
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

Alco C430 AS FT SD40-2 MLW C-630M U25B Alco C-628 DS 4-4-1000 F3 SD40-2F Alco MLW M630 Alco C-628 High Hood RS-12 F7 Alco MLW M636 Alco C-630 S-8 F9 Alco C-630 High Hood S-12 Alco C-636 VO-660 RS-3 VO-1000

RailRailer CouplerMate™

RailRailer CouplerMate™ Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

All Rolling Stock

All Rolling Stock Conversion
Any Medium Center Set Coupler

All Rolling Stock with Factory Knuckle Couplers

All Rolling Stock with Factory Knuckle Couplers
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

100 Ton 3 Bay H-21 H-22 GLa 2-Bay 70 Ton 12 Panel 70T 12 Panel Peaked End 70 Ton 13 Panel 70 Ton 14 Panel 70 Ton Offset 70 Ton Wood Chip 55 Ton Fishbelly 55T Fishbelly Peaked End 55 Ton U Channel H-30 Covered 70 Ton Covered K-9 50' Stock Car K-11 40' Stock Car X-31 Box Car X-31f Box Car X-32 Box Car X-33 Box Car 40 Foot Box Car 50 Foot Box Car N5 Caboose N5c Caboose N8 Caboose GS 40' Gondola G-39 Ore Jenny Trinity Spine Cars Roadrailer 53' Highway Trailers F-30a 50' Flat Car

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.