Anybody ever tried using HO scale Kadees on O scale equipment? I figure...if we're looking at scale, the HO couplers would be even closer to scale then the O scale. Does that make sense?
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Yes, closer to "scale," but my concern would be how well they might hold up with the weight of an O scale/gauge train of any length, especially if any diecast cars were involved? However, I have not actually tried them.
Chuck
If you're worried about accuracy, maybe you should look at Protocraft.
Simon
Simon, not too worried about accuracy but I have often wondered why us O-scalers seem not to be interested in using smaller couplers than the Kadee O scale couplers. Maybe the HO shanks are too short or maybe the face is too small, but that doesn't sound logical. If the face of a HO coupler was too small it would be too small for HO as well if your trackwork is suspect.
Not that I've said all this, are the Kadee O scale couplers that far out of scale/size?
Bob,
I might suggest you pickup a few Protocraft ones and make a comparison to HO couplers. I am happy with the size of Kadees in O even if they are a little larger than prototype. I have however done lots of cars during my HO days with the old #5 standby. I pulled over 100 HO cars regularly on my childhood layout with Kadees and never had any issues.
I'd be interested to see what you find out. I personally don't plan on changing at this point as I have plenty of cars that still have Monarch couplers and they mate well with Kadees. I would be interested though in seeing if anyone cares or models the correct coupler type per era. Type D, E, F or Type H Tightlock for passenger trains.
Also check out Kadee S scale couplers. Mullet River suggested using them on their O scale kits. They are smaller but have no problem coupling to their O scale couplers.
Pete
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Sometimes scaling things down presents problems. I cannot run Proto-48 wheelsets, even though they are no more delicate than HO wheelsets.
Cost should be considered. #805 are everywhere and be had for under 4.00 a pair. What are S scale couplers going for? Would HO be scale for O???? As Pete mentioned above compatibility is a concern also.
@superwarp1 posted:Cost should be considered. #805 are everywhere and be had for under 4.00 a pair. What are S scale couplers going for? Would HO be scale for O???? As Pete mentioned above compatibility is a concern also.
Kadee HO couplers would be way too small for standard gauge O, although Kadees or their copies are usually used on On30 equipment.
The Kadee S Scale 802 coupler goes for $7.99 for two pair. The 802 exactly the same as the 803 On3 coupler except for the color of the trip pin.
Rusty
Also, the 800s will mate with the claw coupler.
Jan
Never thought of using S-scale couplers 
I'm happy enough with using the O-scale Kadees, but just wondering if anyone had used smaller scaled couplers. I do recall having trouble assembling HO Kadees because of their size...springs everywhere!
