Kato SDP40F Micro-Trains conversion

[gkoproske]

The Micro-Trains coupler conversion for the Kato SDP40F is not listed on the MT conversion chart, nor are those keywords resulting in a hit here or on the internet.  I suspect a 2004.  Anybody done one?

[SecretWeapon]

i'd go with 2004's. if not, 1015's.

[nkalanaga]

I managed to get a 1015 on one end of one of mine.  I'd also suggest trying the 2004 (which I don't keep on hand) because it was easier to leave the Kato coupler on the other three ends of the two units.

The 1015 works fine, but the Kato clip is just a little short for it, and the catches on the ends won't seat right.  So, the clip falls out, the coupler comes off, and you're out of luck.  I screwed mine on.  If the 2004 box is a little thinner it might work.

[sundowner]

2004 with an atlas coupler screw, MT are to long. Same for the P42, F40 and the ACS-64.

[nkalanaga]

Yes, I had to shorten my screw, but it wasn't hard to do.  I used a commercial 00-90 brass screw.

[Ike the BN Freak]

Think I installed 1015s on mine, and it lines up fine

[gkoproske]

The height of the 2004 coupler was too tall and was prone to uncoupling.  Tried the 1015 with the shim but as others suggested, the pin was too short.  The 1015 without the pin seems OK for now.  I have not had an uneventful lap yet. 

[jagged ben]

For most of Kato's newer locomotives I've used 1015 shanks in a 2004 box.

[nkalanaga]

My 1015 was at the right height, and works fine, it was just annoying to install.  I kept expecting it to clip in, and it wouldn't!

Since I don't switch passenger trains, and any on my layout are just passing through, I only need one working coupler.  The Kato coupler actually looks better, so I left them on the front of the other unit, and between the units.