After two years in the box I finally hauled out a Walthers Proto SD9 (their 920-41622) and gave it a test run. Once the wheels were cleaned it ran nicely on the club layout. But it comes with their ProtoMax couplers, still in the parts bag. I'm greatly inclined to swap them out for Kadees as that's what I've got on most everything else. Which Kadee number should I use? I'm assuming that there should be no major installation issues.
Thanks,
John
John,First the Protomax II couplers are #5 clones-all metal with knuckle spring. If they are the older plastic Protomax then into the trash can they should go.
If you must change from the Protoax II then a KD #5 or #148 will work.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Thanks, Larry!
I agree with Larry,
If you have the metal Protomax couplers, they are very close to Kadee #5 so I don't see the point in changing them out. I have some Walthers freight cars which came with metal Protomax couplers and don't see any purpose right now in replacing them. I have quite a few models from Atlas and Athearn with plastic couplers which actually do need to be changed out.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Yes, a Kadee #5 should be a drop-in replacement. I personally like the #58, which is closer to scale size than the #5. They play well together.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
The semi scale Kadee 58 is fast becoming my favorite but right now I'm only using them to replace plastic couplers and leaving the standard head metal type alone.
Toss 'em all and put sergent couplers in....
That having been said.
The Metal Kadee clones perform just as well as the original Kadee from my experience. Why waste the money on swapping out couplers? Concur on the plastic coupler sentiment.