Kato SD40 and MTL Couplers...

[Kisatchie]

I checked the Micro-Trains coupler conversion chart and saw that the Kato SD40 takes a 2001 coupler. However, just for the halibut, I tried a 1015 coupler and it works. Not sure if there is a difference in Kato's SD40 non DCC shell and their SD40 DCC friendly shell. Anyhow, I have plenty of 1015 couplers lying around, and no 2001's.


Hmm... with the money
Kiz saved, he can buy me
some more bananas...

[mplsjct]

You're right, the 1015 fits, but I think it actually hangs a little too low, if you measure it against a coupler at the correct height, I think you'll see what I mean.

On the other hand, it might just work fine for you.

[jagged ben]

The old non-DCC shells definitely took the 1015.

[Kisatchie]

You're right, the 1015 fits, but I think it actually hangs a little too low, if you measure it against a coupler at the correct height, I think you'll see what I mean.

I have a MTL coupler height gauge, and the couplers line up perfectly.


Hmm... except one of 'em
is upside down...

[mplsjct]

It could be I'm mistaking the SD40 for the SD40-2, at any rate, I'm glad the 1015 worked for you.

[JoeD]

I need to update the spread sheet and do away with the 2003 references.  1015's are the correct coupler.  You can also assemble them upside down in the box to change the center line slightly as well.

Joe

[nkalanaga]

The latest 1015s I have mount the same regardless of how they're assembled, and include a shim for locos.  Put the shim on either the top or bottom as needed, or leave it off for most freight cars.

[jagged ben]

I need to update the spread sheet and do away with the 2003 references.  1015's are the correct coupler.  You can also assemble them upside down in the box to change the center line slightly as well.

Joe

Except that to use the 1015 you have to cut some of the pilot, and the Kato coupler clip does not fit well.  At least this is true for most newer Kato locomotives, not quite sure about the DCC-Ready SD40.

It would be nice if you guys would just package a new catalog item with the 2004 box and the 1015 shanks.   That's what I end up actually using.  The 2003 is not quite right either what with the hole not drilled in the box top.

[Kisatchie]

Except that to use the 1015 you have to cut some of the pilot, and the Kato coupler clip does not fit well....

The 1015 coupler is a perfect fit in my non-DCC Kato SD40s. And the coupler clips work fine for me.


Hmm... bananas and
termites work for me...

[Mark5]

Yes, back in the 1990s both Atlas and Kato were using MTL 1015 friendly coupler pockets on most of their locos (Atlas still does).

Kato (apparently) changed (re-tooled) their coupler pockets on most diesels starting in the 2000s.

Discussed here:

http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=20346

And

http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=61947

Mark

[nkalanaga]

The 1015 will NOT work in the new Kato SDP40F if you try to use the Kato clip.  It works fine with a screw, and the hole is already in the right place, as the center pin on the clip fits into it.