All my stock is now fitted with Kadee couplers. Why Kadee ?, the are less conspicuous then tension locks, work better than tension locks, and are easily available from local sources. Their use makes shunting, remote uncoupling, and stock handling much easier.

There are some excellent sources on the net, and I urge you before starting to convert your stock to visit some of the excellent references found at:
http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/other/mti_article.html
http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/other/pb_article.html
http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/other/mm_article.html
http://kadee.com/
http://www.grovenor.dsl.pipex.com/pullman.htm

Before commencing conversion you will need the Kadee height gauge
Item #205, a supply of 2mm self tapping screws, epoxy glue, contact adhesive, 1.5mm drill and pin vice. For Kadee’s get No 18;19;20 No 5; and No 31‘s.

1. Carefully remove the NEM socket with a knife from the coupler mount. 2 Fit a small square of double sided tape in front of the coupler mount. 3 Fit a No. 18 kadee which ideal for wagons into the NEM socket fit to the wagon and press on to the double sided tape. This prevents coupler droop. Finally check coupler height with the 205 gauge.

On the left is a Bachmann MK1 coach fitted with a Kadee. As produced the NEM socket provided is far too high for use. I also removed all the weights from my MK1 stock to improve running. Remove the coupler ring and spring and discard. Mount a strip of 2mm plasticard to the bogie as shown. The strip should be 28mm x 8mm. To this strip a N0 5 kadee secured by self tapping screw. The protruding portion of the screws is cut flush with a track shear. Some relieving of the coach skirt is necessary, but cannot be seen when they are operating.

Left and old style wagon has a no 18 with a hole drilled in the shank attached directly to the wagon with a 2mm ST. Screw. Where ever possible I prefer to use a No 5 Kadee as this is the cheapest, and generally the most reliable.