Major Confusion with Magnetic Couplers

[GameTime]

Hi Everyone,

 

I’m looking to add magnetic couplers to my locomotives and eventual rolling stock, to be used with some recent magnetic track I purchased (Kato 20-032)

 

However I’m incredibly confused with the many different types of couplers and would very much appreciate some help on which ones I need to buy. (I want everything on my track compatible with each other)

 

I have a Kato 2021 C11 and a Kato 7011-4 DE10. I don’t have any rolling stock yet.

 

Can I please know what are the best couplers to use that also include the magnetic pins?

 

If the model number can be provided that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Edited November 6, 2023 by GameTime

[Kamome]

Hobby centre Kato produce 28-255 (short shank) sometimes described as EF66 coupler and 28-256 (regular shank) These couplers are the same as what you get with most locomotives but with the addition of the magnet bar to open them. They are easily fitted with most Kato locomotives and will fit some coach ends (loco ends of sleeper train set as example) They are actually what come with the majority of Kato USA locos. 

 

Personally I prefer the short shank on locos and coaches that take them. They can be a bit short on some locos and coaches so you may need a pack of each or just go with the standard to be safe. 

 

The C11 will need a slightly different type of coupler 28-088 and can be fitted on the rear but not at the front. To have a working magnetic coupler on the front you may need to purchase and custom fit a Micro-trains coupler or similar. 

The DE10 won’t be an issue with either 28-255 or 28-256. 

 

For rolling stock, it’s a bit more challenging as it’s dependant on what couplers and boxes each piece uses. A friend of mine made a shunting puzzle but used Micro-trains couplers on everything as he had a variety of different brands including Kato, Tomix, Microace and Kawai. The latter caused a fair bit of modification for correct coupler height. Even just Kato products, I’m afraid it’s not one coupler fits all. A good number of short wagons will take the 28-088 but coaches will need to stay in a full rake to have only compatible couplers at either end. The are some different couplers variations between intermediate coaches depending on the type.

 

 

All Kato

24 series coach using 28-255(short shank)

C11 with 28-088 which also fits EF58, DF50 along with 10 and 20 series coaches

DE10 with 28-255 

 

Pins are quite long and will need setting and some trimming. 

[inobu]

You can change the freight cars if they come with the Rapido couplers.

 

 

 

[GameTime]

@Kamome
Thank you for the most amazing reply. Very helpful and saved me countless time and frustration.

[GameTime]

On 11/7/2023 at 1:58 AM, Kamome said:

Hobby centre Kato produce 28-255 (short shank) sometimes described as EF66 coupler and 28-256 (regular shank) These couplers are the same as what you get with most locomotives but with the addition of the magnet bar to open them. They are easily fitted with most Kato locomotives and will fit some coach ends (loco ends of sleeper train set as example) They are actually what come with the majority of Kato USA locos.

 

Looking to purchase a pack of 28-255, 28-256, and 28-088.

But I cant find them anywhere except paying a fortune on eBay.   $45.99 US. That is crazy?!?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373550431465?hash=item56f9573ce9:g:TQwAAOSw20xggFfE&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4CatYx0PMfnSHST4%2Fy%2B%2FNY7ydmb6DlqvVuGoFyeRzpXCr3MTCEnKtkDZlUFs0bMySqMyo2YTrsL3hG0YsPj1dVXrXAcZ5GEnzQYuqjSyUeoNFf%2FA9nGHXgXnkH5rJ4sOniURAKqVIRe%2FWktTHKOQ%2FvgA1sG9AN2%2FQ9SGtX0et96ejWZ3OHcv6sEu8sO9KpoQUdkgnZlijIuAZcJmLmdJIi6AeLKQFm6AMPvqudqrU0OAFbzkD1BR79JnazbeANV%2BmhRBVv0BF0JU2ofjTKTSnUsNVP87a5XDLpYQgR3ddVlK|tkp%3ABFBM9L_mvPZi

 

 

[disturbman]

Check Plaza Japan, Hobby Search or reach out via email to Model Train Plus and Railgallery Rokko. These things normally cost around a 1000 JPY.

[GameTime]

On 11/7/2023 at 1:58 AM, Kamome said:

Hobby centre Kato produce 28-255 (short shank) sometimes described as EF66 coupler and 28-256 (regular shank) These couplers are the same as what you get with most locomotives but with the addition of the magnet bar to open them. They are easily fitted with most Kato locomotives and will fit some coach ends (loco ends of sleeper train set as example) They are actually what come with the majority of Kato USA locos.

 

With regards to freight cars, I'm looking at purchasing the following 2;

 

Gondola Toki 25000 Freight Car - Kato 8017 [KA-8017]
TORA 45000 Kato 8027-1 [KA-8027-1]

 

I found both are compatible with these magnetic couplers; Kato Magne-Matic Couplers MT-10 - 2 pieces, [ KA-11-711]

Is the KA-11-711 going to attach with the 28-255, 28-256, and 28-088 ?

 

Thanks

 

 

[Kamome]

The MT-10 is essentially one of the Micro Trains couplers, distributed in Japan by Kato. 

 

You will probably find these things are compatible but better to convert all to MT couplers for best compatibility. Loco couplers like 11-712 will possibly fit the DE10, but not the C11. It may just be a case to try a few things and see what works. The MT couplers are mainly aimed towards the American outline stuff but a number of Japanese stock shares the same design so can be used. Kato don’t produce an extensive list of compatible locos, just 4 or 5 tested ones from probably 20 years ago as these things are both not carried in big stock numbers and work out quite expensive, ¥800 for 2

 

Short wagons like Yo, Tora 45000, Waku 1000s and Re 12000s will take the 28-088 with the included gearbox. The gearbox with the A has a central pivot shaft for the magnetic coupler and you get these in the pack. The one with the K is the base type (included with the wagon)which uses rapidos or Kato knuckles (non magnetic)

 

The Toki 25000 won’t take any of the Kato magnetics I’ve listed. 

 

The Kato versions should cost you no more than ¥1100 with tax included for the 10. They are basic plastic and to be honest, I pay that for 4 metal Kadee in HO so feel they’re a little pricey at ¥1100. 

Edited November 9, 2023 by Kamome