Kato Early SD40-2 Coupler Conversion

[BCR751]

Which Micro Trains couplers should be used to replace the stock couplers in a Kato Early Production SD40-2?

[lock4244]

I think the answer you seek is contained on the MTL website. Doesn't specifically list the early version, but for the two SD40-2's listed, says the 2004 coupler.

http://www.micro-trains.com/conversions/sheet007.pdf

[BCR751]

I know.  I checked the MTL site first thing.  The conversion listed there won't work with the early version, hence my question.  I've searched the web extensively and can't find anything on MTL conversions for this loco.  Looks like this will have to be an "invent it as you go" project.  I also looked for after-market radiator grilles to replace the chicken wire ones but no luck there either.

[Ike the BN Freak]

MT 2004s fit, you may need to file the pilot a bit so the box fits.

As for aftermarket radiator grilles, the MbE are designed to replace the chicken wire grilles with corrugated grilles.  MbE part number NF3.

[Mark5]

Unfortunately the official MTL conversions still result in really huge gaps between units.

Mark (who wrote to MTL about this a few years ago)

[jagged ben]

Hmmm....  Can someone post a comparison of the coupler socket between the just released "early" SD40-2 and the one from several years ago?

The rear pilots on my new CNW early loco and my older Santa Fe "snoot" are different.  The new one looks like other newer Katos.

[jagged ben]

Okay... Bump.   

Inquiring minds want to know, do the newly delivered early SD40-2s have a different pilot than the ones from the year 2000?

[Nick Lorusso]

Try MTL 905s or 2004s

Nick

[flight2000]

Okay... Bump.   

Inquiring minds want to know, do the newly delivered early SD40-2s have a different pilot than the ones from the year 2000?

I have both at home, so will take a photo tonight and post them. 

My notes say I used 2004's on this one, but don't remember if I had to modify anything or not.



Brian

[flight2000]

Here's the differences.  I used a 2004 on both and they fit.  Not sure why they have the gap on the latest version, but.... 

I'm still cleaning up the GATX unit after I took it in on a trade...



Brian

[jagged ben]

Thanks.

I guess we can say they are definitely different, although hard to say if it makes any difference to the coupler conversion.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I was just trying to fix a height issue on my old C30-7, and its couple hole is similar to the index one on the right.

Kato loves to fix things that aren't broken.

[Ike the BN Freak]

I wanna say that even the early run of SD40-2s from years ago have the indexed coupler box.  The unit Brian has was probably altered by a previous owner.

[flight2000]

I wanna say that even the early run of SD40-2s from years ago have the indexed coupler box.  The unit Brian has was probably altered by a previous owner.

Good question?  I went back and looked at the UP unit and it's the same as the GATX unit.  I'm the original owner of the UP unit, which was an undec unit... 

I'm not sure when Kato started doing the "new" coupler box area? 

Brian