How to Replace Model Train Couplers and Adjust Height

This time Frank shows you how to replace weak factory couplers with reliable Kadee Whisker couplers.
He demonstrates various problems that you might run into and shows you the solutions for trouble-free and reliable operation.
Products used in this video
#148 Whisker Metal Coupler: www.kadee.com/...
#205 Coupler Height Gauge: www.kadee.com/...
#208 .015 Fiber Washers: www.kadee.com/...
#209 .010 Fiber Washers: www.kadee.com/...
www.kadee.com

[@caseyjones745]

Please Zoom in closer to the parts - they are the star of the show.

[@paredding]

+1 and better lighting

[@aberdeenbranch]

Thanks for another video. This would have been a great time to mention the KAD239 tool, the gripper that lets you pick up small screws and get them started without fat fingers in the way.

[@KadeeQualityProducts]

Right you are, Josef! The #239 is perfect for manipulating tiny parts. Thank you.

[@tracynation2820]

Super. I love Kadee. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.

[@andycrawford9870]

Thanks for info. Maybe next time, ZOOM in just a little closer.

[@KadeeQualityProducts]

Thanks for the feedback. We're working on getting some better video equipment for the future!

[@vincenttolve9756]

Very useful video. Please make a similar one for LARGE SCALE. Thanks.

[@rapcreeperproductions3269]

it'd be nice to see some older models such as mantua/modelpower

[@kraigsickels3918]

Thank you for the information 👍

[@MartinSBrown-tp9ji]

I love all your products and have used them for years except the "O"n3 plastic couplers. as they age the knuckles brake under heavy train loads. Can't they be made of metal? Thanks for all the good products you make.

[@stevenkapela6236]

I wish they offered different sized spacer washer, I keep finding couplers with larger id's where I cannot use these

[@mschultheis1]

Just ran across this video. How do I figure out which number coupler I need to buy to replace couplers from various manufacturers?

[@MosriteCharlie]

Ever install a KD operating coupler on an IHC Steam loco pilot?

[@stevedale4800]

Good content! Does Kadee have a solution for broken couplers between TRIX steam locos and tender? They have NEM pocket and latch type couplers. They break, suprise! I love Kadee products and would love a fix. THANKS

[@KadeeQualityProducts]

@stevedale4800 Unfortunately, we only produce knuckle couplers. However, you can check out our coupler conversion lists to see if we have a known conversion solution for you! www.kadee.com/convpl

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

Do you have any suggestions on what manufacturer wheel sets yo use pm my tyco rolling stock

[@bufordhart730]

I'm having some trouble with my Walter's Viewliner couplers. They aren't long enough and they rub against the diaphragms. And they don't line up correctly. How do I solve this? 🤔

[@KadeeQualityProducts]

Please call us 1.541.826.3883 or shoot us an email [e-mail] so that we can help!

[@rvnmedic1968]

Very helpful but I have a problem with older cars that I got on ebay. They aren't knuckle couplers but the other kind. So I bought a couple of packs of KD 148 but now realize that I can't remove the couplers because the trucks have no screws. The only work around I can think of is a dedicated car (boxcar for instance) that has a KD coupler to hitch to the engine and the other end of the car has the non-KD coupler. Then I can add the rest of the boxcars I bought. Does that make sense or is there something else I can do? Thanks, good explanation on the couplers!

[@KadeeQualityProducts]

You should look your cars up in the coupler conversion guide on Kadee website to know what coupler to use on the cars. If you have a specific question you should email it to us and I can better answer your question.

[@MoosesWorkshop]

Love your products! Featured the couplers on our channel a few times. Question? Are there metal wheels sets available that won't interfere or be drawn to the track magnets?

[@KadeeQualityProducts]

Thanks, MoosesWorkshop! All of our HO wheelsets are made with an insulated plastic axle to prevent electrical crossover and non-ferrous zinc wheels to prevent magnetic interference.

[@rraddena]

Great video. I have some KTM 1/80 HO replicas of the Tokyo Ginza Line subway that use drawbars for the trailer cars. The drawbars add realism as the cars are not too far apart. Which Kadee coupler would you recommend to replace the drawbars (which are a pain in the butt to connect) with? I have some short videos of them running. (some are in N scale) Would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

[@KadeeQualityProducts]

Hey rraddena, please send us an email to [e-mail] so we can help you directly! 🙂

[@riogrande5761]

Speaking of washers, I've been working on coupler conversions and adjustments on BLMA and Atlas HO TOFC 89' flatcars, which have metal underbodies. They need adjusted up to match the Kadee height gauge, but the Kadee fiber washers hole is too small to fit over the lip, even when reamed out. I'm stuck right now. I'm looking for alternate fiber washers with similar thicknesses but a bit larger, mainly with a larger hole, that will fit over a number of models I have that won't accept the good old Kadee fiber washers. They worked great on the older Athearn kits, but newer models, many which are RTR, they simply won't fit. The hole is too small. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[@KadeeQualityProducts]

@riogrande5761 Sadly, we don't offer any fiber washers in other I.D. or O.D. since the demand hasn't been there for it. One alternative could be for you to source them from a washer supplier, or try your hand at making custom washers via a punch or careful cutting.

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

The camera views could be a lot closer so we can actually see what you are doing... both views are too far away from the fine detail you are doing to the wagon and coupling.

[@KadeeQualityProducts]

Thank you for the feedback. We're definitely going to work on that.

[@Wilett614]

Your Video is Great BUT you NEED to ZOOM in so the Viewer can SEE Exactly the Procedure your Narrating ! Thank You !