Life-Like Trains Proto 2000 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 FA-1

Alco FA-1 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

Alco FB-1

Alco FB-1 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

Alco FA-2

Alco FA-2 Conversion

 
 

Alco FB-2

Alco FB-2 Conversion
 
 

Alco PA and PB

Alco PA and PB Conversion
 
 

Alco PA and PB
For Close Coupling

 
 

Alco S-1

Alco S-1 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD BL-2 Diesel

EMD BL-2 Diesel Conversion
 
#142
in a
#252 Gearbox

EMD E-6 A & B

EMD E-6 A & B Conversion
 
 

EMD E-6 A & B
For Close Coupling

EMD E-6 A & B Conversion
 
 

EMD E-7 A & B

EMD E-7 A & B Conversion
 
 

EMD E-8/9 A

EMD E-8/9 A Conversion
 
Discontinued


#453
 

EMD E-8/9 (New Production)

 
 

EMD E-8/9 (New Production)
For Close Coupling

 
 

EMD GP-9

EMD GP-9 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD GP-18

EMD GP-18 Conversion
 
#148 or #158
in a
#252 Gearbox

EMD GP-18 (New Production)

EMD GP-18 (New Production) Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD GP-20

EMD GP-20 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD GP-30

EMD GP-30 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD GP-38-2

EMD GP-38-2 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD GP-60

EMD GP-60 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD SD-7

EMD SD-7 Conversion
 
#143
in a
#252 Gearbox

EMD SD-9

EMD SD-9 Conversion
 
#143
in a
#252 Gearbox

EMD SD-45

EMD SD-45 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD SD-60

EMD SD-60 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD SD-60M

EMD SD-60M Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD SW-600, 8, 900

EMD SW-600, 8, 900 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

EMD SW-9/1200

EMD SW-9/1200 Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

Box Car, 50’ DD Auto

Box Car, 50’ DD Auto Conversion
#143
in a
#252 Gearbox

Caboose

Caboose Conversion
 
#148 or #158
in a
#252 Gearbox

Other Freight Car Kits

Other Freight Car Kits Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

Factory Assembled Cars (RTR)

Factory Assembled Cars (RTR) Conversion
#28, #58
or
#118, #119, #158

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.