Kadee Couplers?

Get the new # 816. Metal coupler with a plastic gearbox that won't short out. If you can't find it order directly from Kadee on their website. However, if you can wait a few months Kadee is releasing a new line of O scale couplers that are more to scale AAR Type E couplers.

Absolutely agree the 816 is what you want right now. If you can wait for the new AAR type E couplers, might be nice...

If you already have an 804 and 805 couplers, you can use the 804 box with the metal 805 coupler. The 804 coupler box is plastic (as with the 816) which is easier to trim the back portion off to allow the clearance of the truck.

You certainly could use and 805 metal box but you'll need to cut the back of the box off with a dremel or some other method. Another path is to cut the loop of the truck to allow clearance of the full 804/805 box.

I know guys who use the 806 which is the short box but I don't like it because the coupler is plastic and the the shank is short which doesnt' work well with tight curves.

thanks guys I ordered the 816 the type Es sound cool will probably upgrade to them eventually

I used 805's on mine. You have to cut/grind about 1/8" off the rear of the box to clear the 3-rail coupler mounts on the power trucks. They work great.

I have also recently purchased an MTH 2-rail Dash 8 and am trying to decide on couplers. Just curious how the 816's worked or if anyone has tried the new couplers that were previously mentioned.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. 

816's work great.  The plastic gearbox may require just a little trimming off at the back of the box, unless you just cut the 3R pilot loop off the trucks for clearance.   Otherwise, IMO, you'll enjoy a much better experience than if you went with the 806 short shank.

 

If you think you might go with the new E style couplers for more of your equipment, consider experimenting with the 745 couplers as they are exactly the same as the 816's (medium centershank metal coupler/plastic geabox) but with the new e head on them.  Just keep in mind they may require a little more work when uncoupling if you're using a pick type of tool.

Purchased a few sets of each during the Springfield, MA show back in Jan.  Some photos of the packaging and a set of 743 on an MTH Dash-8 Diesel.

 

Will the new type E mate with the old

Of course they will!

 

I ask because I have an opportunity to purchase a batch of the other ones a couple of years old, I'm just starting to change over. First to Kadees, than fixed pilots, then two rail. What type of magnet works best?

I use the 3 rail, between the rails magnets from kadee and they work great. Not everyone likes the looks of them once they have been installed, but they do allow hands free switching operations on my layout. They have the same type of magnets for 2 rail track and they perform the same.

Hmmmm. Those uncoupling magnets rather remind me of the impedance bonds used on some electric railroads for their signal system.