Kadee coupler problem

[jimdavis88]

To solve my uncoupling problem I'm replacing all of my Bachmann couplers with Kadee couplers. As was suggested on this web forum. My problem now is that when I go to tighten down the screw that holds the cover over the couple, it pinches the couple shaft and the coupler can't move side to side, unless I back off the screw. I'm afraid to run that way as the screw may vibrate out. In eyeballing the thickness of each coupler shaft, the Kadee looks to be a bit thicker, thus the reason it pinches when I reassembly it. I thought about filing a bit off of the Kadee shaft, but don't know if that's wise. Any suggestion how to fix this?

[PhillipL]

Hi Jim,

Which Kadee coupler are you using?  I have had no problems using #158 whisker couplers.

[jimdavis88]

Kadee 148

[Len]

On some coupler pockets, with a rabbet around the edges like this:


You flip the lid over to make more room for metal shank couplers in the pocket. If that doesn't work, you have to file the shank down slightly around the coupler mounting hole. You don't have to take off much, a bit more than the thickness of the paint from both sides.

Len

[Terry Toenges]

I have filed Kadee couplers to fit Bachmann pockets. I haven't had any problems with them after I did it. It doesn't take much filing.

[Trainman203]

Between this coupler pocket/Kadee issue, the non standard EZ track roadbed height, the inconsistent wiring design between steam engines and the non use of NMRA decoder wiring colors...... It wouldn't have taken much to conform with established standards.