Frequently Asked Questions

This is an issue with your computer web browser settings, not the Kadee website.
This is caused by your computer's web browser security settings, browser cache, add-on browser extensions (ad blockers, popup blockers), and/or Internet speed issues.
Most of the time, custom browser settings and/or add-on browser extensions are the problems.

SOLUTION 1: Reset your web browser back to factory default settings and do not custom change anything in the settings, clear your cache, and turn off add-on browser extensions. Your web browser should now operate properly on the Kadee website.

This problem occurs when a customer is not logged in to a Kadee website account and tries to shop or checkout as a "Guest" with customer browser settings. When shopping or checking out as a "Guest," your shopping data is stored on your computer as cookies. If you are blocking or not allowing cookies, then the website can't know what you want in your shopping cart. If the Kadee website server can't properly access your web browser data on your computer, it is blocked. In that case, the site will not allow checkout or navigation if there are communication issues with the website's web browser.

When you are logged in to your Kadee account. The shopping cart data is stored on the Kadee website server during your shopping, and the website is allowed to operate without communication issues unless there is an internet speed issue.

We always recommend browsing and checking out using a "Kadee account" versus "Guest Checkout" for a positive and trouble-free website experience.

SOLUTION 2: Create a Kadee online account and log in to the account when shopping on the Kadee website while logged on to the Kadee account.

This also could be because your Credit Card info is incorrect and/or doesn't match your billing address. Your Credit Card has to match your billing address and zip code. If you can't get to the site beyond the Credit Card submit page, the reason your credit card is being rejected or invalid is at the top of the page in RED lettering. You must read the message in RED at the top of the page about what is incorrect about your Credit Card submission and fix it before you can move on with checkout.

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" or "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," the 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 also can purchase products.

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

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

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

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

Every coupler we sell has knuckle springs in place when it is packaged at Kadee®. Every coupler package we sell also includes extra knuckle springs. Knuckle springs can become dislodged in the package during shipping, especially if the carrier is rough with the shipment. We have no control over how rough a carrier is with a shipment, and if you don't purchase it directly from Kadee,® we have no control over how someone else ships our product to you. Suppose you are purchasing from an online dealer. In that case, the coupler package may have been shipped two to three times before you receive the product, depending on whether the online dealer purchases directly from Kadee® or a hobby distributor.

The coupler instruction covers reinserting the dislodged knuckle springs back into the knuckle.
You may need an OptiVISOR and a #241 Dual Tool (Manual Uncoupling Tool & Spring Pic) to reinsert the knuckle spring back in the coupler head.
You may have to ask someone else for help if you cannot do so.

To replace the knuckle spring, use our #241 Dual Tool (Manual Uncoupling Tool & Spring Pic) and insert it between the last two coils on either end of the spring. Then slip the end of the spring onto one of the retaining cones in the knuckle and compress the spring until you can slip the other end onto the opposing cone. Then withdraw the pick.

A dislodged knuckle spring is not a warranty item. It is not a product defect; it is just part of the hobby. Knuckle springs can dislodge, and can be easily put back in place.

I have been getting emails from customers telling me their dealer is telling them we are discontinuing the #148 Whisker® bulk pack couplers, which is why they are not in stock.
Simply Not True! You can always order directly from Kadee.

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. Note: Putting items in your shopping cart does not hold products.

Yes! Several model makers equip their cars with Kadee® Couplers directly from their factories. We are certainly willing to partner with any manufacturer that wants quality couplers on their models. Many manufacturers are only concerned with the bottom line and install clone knuckle couplers rather than equipping the models with Kadee® Couplers.

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 won't bend and flex like plastic knuckles found on clone knuckle couplers. Metal knuckles grip the opposing 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, 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.

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 #118 SF Shelf Whisker® Coupler is available in a 25-pair package (part number #118-25).

The #119 SE Shelf Whisker® Coupler is available in a 25-pair package (part number #119-25).

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 only sell the retail offerings of bulk packs on our website. No special request bulk pack packaging.

Yes, the Scale Head couplers were designed to function with 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 by the coupler head's 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 many reasons.

An Offset scale head coupler would not be as strong; extra material would need to be added to give it strength. It would not be a "scale" anymore.
Another reason is that 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 shouldn't mix body-mounted or truck-mounted couplers on cars. Based on how body-mounted or truck-mounted couplers track through corners, if you have to run both coupler mounting styles together, you should group the coupler mounting styles as much as possible for the 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 represent the common Type E coupler. We 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 compatible and use the same draft gear boxes, so the conversion information is the same.

Let's start with the obvious: the AAR Type "E" coupler has a much more prototypal appearance than our original coupler style. The AAR Type "E" coupler contour with visible Kadee® casting marks to replicate the prototype coupler better. If it hasn't jumped out at you yet, another big feature 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 coupler style. This allows the two couplers to function seamlessly together despite the two different looks. The AAR Type "E" coupler pulling face inside the moving knuckle has a flatter contour (draft) that reduces the knuckle slide caused by flexible mounting. This means the couplers will not slip vertically as easily. 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 upgrading 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.

Let's 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 taken set. The clone coupler's plastic centering system will fatigue and stop centering the coupler. Plastic centering springs don't function for long before they weaken and fail.

If you have a clone coupler that has quit working, it is a simple fix; replace it with a Kadee® Coupler.
Clone couplers are easily replaced with long-lasting Kadee couplers. Clone couplers are usually replaced with the #148 into the cast-on gearbox. If you need a little more clearance or are running a long car on tight corners, use the #146 long coupler. But there are a few exceptions. Use the coupler conversion guide to determine whether the coupler should replace the clone coupler. 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 will be one of two things.
Option one: The simplest fix is that the screw holding the lid on is too tight, and you need to loosen it slightly.
Option two: You have 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 cast-on gearboxes on their models to try to fix the problems with their drooping clone knuckle couplers. The Kadee® 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.

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

Subarashi is no longer making the Smart Coupler®.

Kadee® Large Scale Remote Couplers are 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 provides an output for standard hobby servos.

No, Kadee® is not selling Subarashi HO Scale Smart Couplers. Kadee® had 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 must contact Subarashi Models. Please visit www.smart-coupler.com.

Subarashi is no longer making the Smart Coupler®.

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

You can always mount one of our existing scale couplers on a scale model different from what it intended for. You won't have a height gauge to check the coupler height, and you will be on your own in custom mounting the coupler at the correct height and making 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 Bachmann did with their On30 cars, mounting HO scale couplers on the On30 cars since On30 cars run on the HO track. Before Bachman On30 cars, most people mounted On3 Couplers on On30 cars at On3 coupler height. You can go either way; you must be consistent and not 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 the 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, and #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.

HO-scale models with factory knuckle couplers are easily converted by using our #148 or "scale" head #158 Whisker® Couplers.

We recommend checking the coupler function by hand rolling your longest cars through your tightest corners or switches, watching the coupler swing, and ensuring the coupler swing doesn't bottom out to the gearbox sides. If this occurs, the gearbox opening may be filed a little wider, or a longer coupler would need to be used on the car or locomotive. If the coupler swing bottoms out to the gearbox sides, the car will start to lift the trucks off the track and cause a derailment.

If your car or locomotive is long, or you operate on tight corners. You may want to use the HO-scale #146 or #156 long shank Whisker® Couplers to help navigate tighter corners. Long couplers allow for more coupler swing, reducing the chance of coupler running out of swing and hitting the sides of the gearbox while navigating corners.

If your model does not have factory knuckle couplers, please visit our Coupler Conversions page for our complete list of coupler conversions. You will look up the car or locomotive in our coupler conversion listings by its make and model.

Please note: This coupler conversion list is our suggested starting coupler for the conversion. (Typically requiring the least modification to a model utilizing our newest couplers, even though other couplers also work for the model.) 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 modifications to achieve the proper coupler height for coupler function. Always check the coupler heights with our Coupler Height Gauge for your modeling scale.

If you don't know the make and model of your car or locomotives, search the internet for the road name and number; you should be able to identify the make and model with the search results. If this doesn't work, you may have a custom-decorated car and you will need to go to a local hobby store or model railroad club and ask for assistance identifying the car or locomotive.

Coupler Conversion recommendations are based on the manufacturer, model type, overhang, end-of-car clearance, and whether the original coupler mounting will be used. Ensure the mounted coupler height matches our coupler height gauge and is appropriate for the particular scale being modeled.

We do sell non-retail packaged car parts or product components. If we have the components in stock.

It may take some time to gather the parts, so please be patient.

Some components that are run on the same sprue/shot as other components can't be sold separately. (example: Some couplers and gearboxes are run on the same sprue/shot and are not sold separately.)

There is a minimum $25 custom parts fee/order for all no-retail special request parts.

We do not sell custom quantity packages of packaged products.

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

First, you need to determine what mounting style the truck you want 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 screw. We recommend using the common #2-56 screw.

We produce U.S.-style of freight trucks. Choice of Kadee truck style & features is 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 the side frame is a personal preference, and it also depends on whether you are prototype modeling or want something that functions better than the OEM trucks. There is no wrong answer when choosing a truck to put on your car unless you are trying to be prototypical, and then you must research. Some of the most common & popular styles of trucks are A.S.F.®, A-3 Ride Control®, & Bettendorf for more modern cars, rollerbearing 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. When the car is sitting on its wheels, the trucks disengage from the wedge and pivot freely until it is picked up. This reduces the fooling around you have, setting the car on the rails.

Code 110 and 88 relate to the wheels' width. Code 110 wheels are .110" wide, and Code 88 wheels are .088" wide.

Code 110 wheels are the common (or standard) width wheels, and Code 88 wheels 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 trimming off any post the original truck pivoted around. Our trucks and most after-market trucks are designed to be mounted with a #2 size screw. We recommend a 2-56 screw.

Our trucks are designed to mount on a flat surface, which usually requires trimming 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 screw. We recommend a 2-56 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 where the trucks were attached larger than 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 be mounted with a #2 size screw. So if you have a hole where the trucks were attached larger than a #2 screw, then you will have to fill the hole with filler or glue styrene tubing to fill the hole. Then tap and drill for a #2 screw. We recommend a 2-56 screw.

Track and wheel code have no relationship, meaning Code 110 and Code 88 will run on almost any track code. 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 cars and caboose trucks.

Sorry, no. We produce U.S.-style freight trucks only.

Kadee® manufactures HOn3 through G-Scale products only. We do not sell any N or Z-Scale products. We recommend contacting 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 many projects and a long list of future projects. So unless something becomes a priority, we do not know when we'll get to it.

A lot goes into producing a viable product that one may not think about. The scale's popularity and the product's potential sales determine where the project falls on our list. We have to be able to justify building the molds and tooling to produce a possible product and bring it to market, then look at the investment recovery time and determine if the potential product is even cost-effective.

Kadee uses water-based paint for the bodies that match the color of the styrene parts. The other parts are unpainted engineering plastic.

The stenciling is Silk Screen Enamel, and for those who wish to remove the stenciling, Acetone or Acetone base solvent works the best. 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 our desired colors. 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.

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

No, we can't say anything more about the project. You will have to wait and see when it is finished. We have decided on our next car, which is in the works. We have several other projects we are presently working on, so it may be some time before we finish the car project.

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

We are not accepting any custom car runs now.

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 before 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 timeline 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 happen from time to time. We try to get popular products back in stock as soon as possible, usually within a matter of days. Some odd specialty products (ex, detail parts and undecorated cars) may be out of stock until we run more parts for car production. We have to justify the setup of a production run of parts, and detailed parts alone don't justify the production setup.

Some hobby shops may not stock products and wait for you to order them before they place their order from the manufacturer or distributor. At the same time, we can't control the inventory or business practices of hobby shops. You can always order Kadee® products factory direct through our website, and with our live inventory, you will know the product is in stock and ready to ship to you.

Ordering direct from Kadee® meens. No waiting 2-3 weeks for the hobby shop to order with their next order, having it shipped to them, waiting for that phone call when your order is finally ready for pickup, or the hobby shop then reshipping the product to you, adding even more time to what you wanted weeks ago. Keep things simple and order directly from Kadee®.

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 directly from us at any time.

We are running live inventory on our website. We are not accepting product backorders.

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 answer 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:

• 7:00 AM PST - 4:00 PM PST, Monday-Thursday

We look forward to hearing from you.