Kadee Couplings

[Keano30]

Hello all,

I want to convert my Murphy models from the standard couplers to Kadee couplers. Just wondering if you have any recommendation on which Kadee couplings to use on the Class A 056 and the Class 121 murphy models and coaches. 

I've seen there are a number of different sizes, 17" to 20", which ones should I use for best results? Has anyone used the magnetic uncouplers also, are there any issues with these? 

[Ironroad]

Hi, much had been said on this topic previously on this website but all over the place as part of other topics and this is a topic that finally deserves a thread of its own. Nonetheless you should search this site as there is a mine of information available

It is not possible to give a complete answer to your question as there are many variables but for what it is worth I'm pasting a response I provided  to a similar question by another member quite recently:-

  On 4/1/2022 at 2:03 PM, patrick said:

What Kadee do you recommend for the brake van John?

If I may offer an opinion, this is not a straightforward question to answer.  Some trial and error may be needed to achieve the outcome you desire as all circumstances are not the same. A key objective is to achieve the closest possible coupling, and Kadee offer 4 couplers to fit NEM sockets, #s 17, 18, 19, & 20, the shortest being 17 increasing in length up to 20. I have found that #17 is not suitable for use with rolling stock fitted with buffers as the buffer length prevents the couplings from coming together (assuming #17 is used on both items of rolling stock  but may work with a 17 on one and an 18 on the other).  The minimum radius of the track on your layout needs to be taken into consideration since coupling may be achieved satisfactorily on a straight section between two items of rolling stock fitted with say # 18s but they may not couple on a curve, and if the  radius is too extreme they will buffer lock and derail, note buffer length is a factor here and is not standard.   Mixing the coupling lengths used on your rolling stock may be an option to achieve a better median distance between wagons or coaches  but personally I prefer standardisation particularly for goods stock which is more likely to be shunted than coaches.  Hope this helps. 

[Mike 84C]

Hi Keano, look in Forums,workbench and go down to Kingsbridge-Kaydee coupler conversions. It's Noels thread and it is very helpful with words and pictures.Tells you what worked for him. I have used the info and will again I'm sure. Hope this is of use.

[Keano30]

Thank you guys I appreciate the advice and will take onboard all when buying the couplings. 

 

For those of you who may come upon this thread later looking for the Knightsbridge thread here is the link to it

 

Edited January 16, 2022 by Keano30

[Old Blarney]

Not my work- I'm unable to remember where I copies this information from. Suspect it is Noel's work. I hope it is of assistance to you!

 

 

[Joe Keegan]

41 minutes ago, Old Blarney said:

Not my work- I'm unable to remember where I copies this information from. Suspect it is Noel's work. I hope it is of assistance to you!

 

 

Hi Old Blarney

No picture attached / showing 

[Old Blarney]

Joe Keegan

There are no pictures, just the data as shown in your reply to me.

[JohnMcGahern]

21 hours ago, Keano30 said:

Hello all,

I want to convert my Murphy models from the standard couplers to Kadee couplers. Just wondering if you have any recommendation on which Kadee couplings to use on the Class A 056 and the Class 121 murphy models and coaches. 

I've seen there are a number of different sizes, 17" to 20", which ones should I use for best results? Has anyone used the magnetic uncouplers also, are there any issues with these? 

I never had any problems with any size.  Just make sure you don't get buffer lock.

I've had great success with all of them.  I always try to go with the smallest I kind before getting buffer lock on smaller radius turns.

[David Holman]

Interesting - always wondered what the numbers meant!

In 7mm narrow gauge, No5 seems to be the one to go for, though most narrow gauge stock doesn't have any buffers, of course.

[Noel]

No 19 seem to suit A classes best for a broad variety of trackwork.