i really could use help from anyone who has actually swapped out rapido couplers for Micro Train couplers on a Kato F7 'A' unit. I do not know the vintage of this A unit but it seems to have metal side frames on the trucks. I have included photos of the included instructions too, if that's any clue. #1: I could use advise on the front floorboard' removal. I am afraid to use too much screw driver force and fracture it. Maybe I have picked the wrong tool for this. #2: I have investigated Micro Train's coupler conversion PDF list and the more I read the more confused I get. It lists; #001 02 052 & #001 30 012 couplers. (front and rear are different). However, I also see a #001 41 050 on a train store site, as having both front and rear couplers for the Kato F7........I'm confused. I think the first step is to remove the front 'floorboard.....I think. Any help from a Kato F7 coupler swap veteran would be greatly appreciated. Al
I can't help you but suggest you do a search for Kato F7 coupler. There are many threads on the subject right back to 2006. Good luck Dave B
You're not removing the floorboard. You're removing the coupler retaining clip. DO NOT PRY. You just need to learn how to get in there with a very small screwdriver or similar and release the clip by pushing one of the legs outward. It is NOT easy or intuitive. That said, like riding a bike, once you "get it" you're good forever.
MT sells a conversion kit specifically for Kato F-units. It includes toothpicks to help you get off the shell. If you will follow the instructions that come with the kit, you will have little, if any, trouble.
From the Rapido couplers, it does appear that Original Poster has an older unit. The conversion kit does work on the older versions. My understanding is that this kit does not work on the very latest version of the Kato F-units. The newer versions do come with Kato knuckle couplers that will work with MTs.
Thank you all for your help. But I have been chasing different Micro Train part numbers like a squirrel chasing nuts. I am beginning to believe all the part numbers are correct DEPENDING on What year the F7 is. It appears from what I can gather, Kato changed coupler attachment schemes frequently....depending on year of manufacture. The video seems closest to the solution I need......perhaps.
Doesn't the MT conversion require filing the pilot opening in order to install a larger (i.e. less prototypical) coupler? That's a non-starter for this Kato fan boy.
Correct -- for the original release F3's and F7's one had to open up the front coupler opening. The current version of Kato F's, no filing required. Not sure what you are referring to: "a larger (i.e. less prototypical) coupler?" If you are referring to MT's "N-Scale" coupler then -- yes. For the current version - one can use "Z" scale couplers if one chooses to. Come to think of it -- one may be able to use "Z" scale couplers for the original Kato F's as well. (I haven't tried it) Wolf
I thought the front coupler was always pretty easy.....it was the rear that was a PITA. Kato continues to use a truck mounted coupler on the rear of all their F units. My last F units came with a Kato knuckle coupler........anyone know if those will fit the box on older units?
I am very interested in the answer to this. I have decided to try to replace the rear coupler with a kato knuckle coupler like the kind that are on the loco's now. This coupler would mate to a newer Kato F7 B'unit knuckle coupler.....(the kind that requires lifting up to couple). I would be very interested in purchasing one from a member if it will work.
If the existing coupler is a T shank the two piece Kato knuckle coupler will fit because it is a T shank also. That coupler will connect to the MTs as well as other Kato knuckle couplers by just shoving together, no lifting. Part number 11-702.
Hi, this photo album here, has some tips that I think will help you: https://pbase.com/atsf_arizona/kato_n_scale_unimate_install While this is about installing Unimates on the Kato F7/E8/PA1, you'll see photos about removing the F7 shell and installing couplers. One example, there are many more step by step photos: Also, see this Trainboard thread: https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/kato-f7-mt-conversion-updated.5936/
Yes, thankfully Kato still uses a truck mounted rear coupler. If they didn't, they would be like IMR units with twenty feet spacing between units. The Kato short shank dummy couplers fix what little excess space remains. We've had more than one thread.....
Some of my Kato coupler equipped locos. Notice the close coupling achieved with the Kato 11-702 on the blue locos in back and couples just fine to the MT equipped caboose. And in front the Kato 11-702 equipped loco coupled to a Bmann with Bmann's coupler, and below some of the Kato couplers I use. The one on the far right is 11-721 which has brake lines as part of the assembly. The middle is the T shank 11-702. they also make a black version and is my standard replacement for T-shank rapidos, and the far left is their Magnetic coupler. 100_0025-1 by John Moore posted Dec 3, 2022 at 12:30 PM Maybe a better close up of the couplers. 100_0027-2 by John Moore posted Dec 3, 2022 at 12:54 PM
