Kato Coupler List

[Guest Closed Account 1]

Which Kato knuckle couplers fit the Series 200 Shinkansen? It came with silver Rapidos.

[200系]

Webskipper,

 

I personally use Kato 11-704 Tight Lock couplers (the grey ones) as recommended by Kato.

I had already used the black version (Kato 11-703) on the 0系, and have positive experiences with them.

 

hope this helps.

[Guest Closed Account 1]

Thanks. Cannot find a picture of the prototype couplers on wikipedia in silver.  Are they really silver?

[200系]

Well, to be honest I'm not really sure. I know the couplers on the 0系 where black, and as seen on periodic photographs they where so from delivery (including the 2000番台 which is closest to the 200系0番台 in terms of the year of introduction). The 300系 on the other hand, did have silver painted couplers (couldn't find a good photograph of the 100系 couplers), as where the nose couplers of the 200系 K formations.

So it could be either black or silver. My hunch is that they where painted black like their 0系 sisters, however it could also be that Kato is onto something in regards to the color.

I personally kept with the grey ones as Kato recommended (was originally intending to go for the black ones, as I had a few left from my 0系) as the color of the couplers isn't really that noticeable when coupled together anyway, and as the coupler socket is grey as well it looks a bit better on this set.

 

for reference (0系 cars showing the couplers, couldn't find a good one for the 200系):

 

0系0番台 (36形)

0系2000番台 (37形)