Upgrading Kato couplers

[Welshbloke]

As promised, some photos of the upgrade couplers for Kato stock fitted with standard Rapidos. First the types - you can also buy all three in grey to match the bogies on your stock:

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbeLZLVHjDf/

 

Now to fit a set of tightlocks to a MoHa 152! Remove the coupler parts from the sprue and unclip the bogie. Remove the Rapido and spring by turning it through 90 degrees and pulling up. Press the two parts of the new coupler together and insert into the coupler pocket as shown. Note the bevelled edge on the coupler shank, this needs to face upwards at this point:

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbeL-NSHJvu/

 

Twist through 90 degrees to clip coupler into pocket, and refit bogie to coach:

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbeMWshHvUJ/

 

The same basic technique applies to all three types. Here are a couple of KiHas with the knuckle couplers fitted, the two types are compatible. I generally use the ones with hoses within sets and the ones without on cab ends, locos or freight stock:

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbeMnzMnkV8/