Description
The next evolution of model train couplers starts and ends with the Kadee® Whisker® series of couplers. When we set out to improve upon the venerable No.5® we knew it had to be just as game-changing as the original. With that in mind, we designed a the Whisker® couplers with an even longer-lasting and more reliable design. We took everything you loved about the No.5® and improved upon it. No more fumbling with centering springs. No more multi-piece assemblies. The Whisker® series of couplers is a true drop-in coupler. Use Kadee® Whisker® couplers in your next model and enjoy the most reliable and smooth coupling experience you've ever had. Always made right here in the USA with legendary Made In America quality.
The #118 SF Shelf Coupler features shelfs that actually work, and can be easily modified to look like the type "F" or "H" passenger car coupler. Can be mounted in the supplied #242 Gearboxes or directly into most manufacturer's molded-on gearboxes.
In the late 1960s the top and bottom shelf Type “SF” coupler was developed and standardized in 1970 for hazardous material tank cars. During this same time period the Type “E” coupler with a bottom shelf was developed as the Type “SBE” and the Type “SE” top and bottom shelf came later on. Both the Type “SF” and “SE” couplers were standard for tank cars in 1975 then eventually became mandatory for hazardous material cars. Kadee® #118 Type “SF” coupler is actually a scale size coupler that if compared to the smaller Type “E” scale couplers will seem way over scale but it’s not.
Package Includes:
- (2) Pair #118 SF Shelf Whisker® Metal Couplers - Medium Centerset Shank
- (2) Pair #242 Snap-Together Gearboxes & Lids
- (2) Spare #622 Knuckle Springs
It is not recommended to use a metal coupler directly on a metal surface or in a metal draft gearbox to avoid possible electrical crossover and shorting that may cause damage. Use the provided insulated gearbox or insulated #28 coupler.
| #118 Coupler Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Shank Length | Medium - 9/32" (center of mounting hole to back of coupler head) |
| Shank Offset | Centerset |
| Mounting Height | 29/64" |
| Centerline | 25/64" |
| Trip Pin Height | 1/32" |
| Head Style | SF Shelf |
| Centering Spring | Whisker® |
| Knuckle Spring | #622 |
| Shank Material | Metal |
| Knuckle Material | Metal |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Gearboxes | #213, #232, #234, #242, #252, #262, and Most manufacturer molded-on gearboxes* |
*Note: Some manufacturers now produce models with non-industry standard coupler pockets (molded-on gearbox). These shallower coupler pockets may require slight modification to the gearbox or coupler to function properly. If the model has a shallow molded-on gearbox, the top of the #118 Whisker® coupler shank may be filed thinner to fit the shallower cast-on coupler pockets.