Walthers 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

EMD SW-1 Switcher

EMD SW-1 Switcher Conversion
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

FM H 10/12-44

FM H 10/12-44 Conversion
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

Sperry Rail Inspection Car

Sperry Rail Inspection Car Conversion
 
#148 Rear or #158 Rear
in a
#252 Gearbox

M.O.W. Difco Dump Car
Metal Chassis

M.O.W. Difco Dump Car Metal Chassis Conversion
 
 

Jordan Spreader

Jordan Spreader Conversion
Any Medium Centerset Rear Coupler

Other Rolling Stock

Other Rolling Stock Conversion
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

Amfleet Passenger Car

Amfleet Passenger Car Conversion
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

Budd-Built
Passenger Cars

Budd-Built Passenger Cars Conversion
 

Passenger Cars
with a double swing gearbox
without an attached gearbox lid.

 

Horizon Commuter
Passenger Car

Horizon Commuter Passenger Car Conversion
 

Superliner Passenger Car

Superliner Passenger Car Conversion
 

Walthers Auto Carrier 89 Ft.

Walthers Auto Carrier 89 Ft. Conversion
Any Medium Centerset Coupler

Walthers Box Car 40 Ft. Wood

Walthers Box Car 40 Ft. Wood Conversion
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.