I asked Sam if they did much testing on a new product. He said that they did extensive testing over the time it takes to be sure they have a superior product. The couplers are designed on a computer and tested using the computer. Then, when they are pretty sure that the new design will work, they build a test article. The test articles are then tested using special testing devices that mechanically make sure the couplers work well. They are then tried out on real model locomotives and rolling stock. When they feel satisfied that the couplers work well, they design and build the molds. Testing is then done on the prototypes from the molds. This is done with the testing devices and the real model locomotives and rolling stock. During all of this testing, they also test the remote uncoupling that Kadee is known for.
All of this iterative testing helps them be sure that when a product is released that they don't have problems in the hands of their customers. They also do not make any announcements about upcoming products until the product is ready for release.
Compatibility with other manufacturer's couplers is not a design or test consideration to them because their market is in replacing other manufacturer's couplers. Their couplers do work with many but not all of the other couplers in Large Scale.
The initial release of the couplers will be in the form of couplers only without the pockets. This is a departure from their current offerings that only come as complete packages. Sam said that this was intentional because they believe that much of their sales volume will be to users of their current couplers who will replace the old coupler with the new one in the current pockets. They will later offer pockets separately and packaged sets of couplers and pockets.
Sam emphasized that the new design was not to overcome any problems with the current couplers because the current ones are problem free. The new couplers are a lot stronger than the current ones but that was a side effect of the new design. He pointed out that they realized that they were stronger than the current design only after they began testing the new coupler. It was not part of the requirement for the new design. He also said that the new coupler provides slightly smoother coupling. I asked Sam when they would begin to redesign the #1 coupler and he said that it was next. They realize that as soon as the G coupler is on the market that there will be a big demand for the #1. He said that the coupler models make the #1 look easy to do.
Sam said that they have a supply of the G couplers packaged and ready to go. They will be released on about October 15th. He said that they always release new products on the 15th of the month. I am looking forward to trying out the samples that I have only had time to photograph. This weekend I will be at the bench putting the new Kadees on some of my locomotives. I will post the results on the workshops and the photos in the LSOL.com gallery, as well as articles in the near future.
If you want to get some of these limited quantities you can go to KadeeCouplers.com and place your order as soon as possible. Quantities will be limited to start.
| Kadee's New Improved Coupler |
| Noel, Great report on Kadee's new line of couplers. If Sam says they work, they work. Sam is a great individual to work with. He always has the time and interest to answer any coupler question an operator may have. Once again, LSOL is way out ahead of everyone by providing LSOL members information on breaking industry news. Now the rest can play catch up. Looking forward to your report on the installation of these new couplers. |
| JD Miller - 10/07/2009 - 04:33 |
| kadee is the best |
| When I came into large scale I had the same problem most folks do, the different couplers don't play well with each other. I started looking for a "standard" coupler for my railroad. When I found out the KaDee makes large scale couplers I didn't have to think twice about what my standard would be. I had great success with them in N and HO scales. The only issue I had with the large scale KaDees was the look of exposed spring on the side. I am glad that Kadee has redesigned the coupler to hide this spring. The only part of this that gives me pause is that all my rolling stock has already been upgraded and I laid in a supply of 831s for future acquisitions. Oh well I guess over time I will upgrade to the newer Kadee. Glad to see the improvement, nice work. |
| David A. Maynard - 10/07/2009 - 10:28 |
| Kadees |
| David, I have the same problem. I probably have about 50 pairs of the old Kadees in almost every style they make. Upgrading will be costly and I guess I will eventually do it over time. Thanks, Noel |
| Noel Widdifield - 10/07/2009 - 12:38 |
| New Kadees |
| Noel, I always thought hiding the springs would be a great idea to improve the Kadees. Now I look forward to upgrading my rolling stock with these. Since I dont have a big investment in large scale Kadees yet, it will be easier for me. Thanks for a great review. Jerry |
| Jerry Madsen - 10/07/2009 - 21:40 |
| Kadees |
| I am sorry that I misspelled Sam Clarke's name in the story. He was a great interviewee and I failed to check how he spelled his last name. A good reporter/editor always makes sure his source's name is spelled correctly. For someone with a last name like mine, you would think I would always check name spelling. Sam, thanks for your great help with the info for the article and I am sure I will never forget the "e" in Clarke again. I hear that the new couplers are a great hit already. Thanks, Noel |
| Noel Widdifield - 10/08/2009 - 03:41 |
| Sam's Name Spelling |
| Neol, I'm sure that Sam understands. :>0 What's an "e" among friends!!!!!! |
| JD Miller - 10/08/2009 - 04:52 |
Top of Page
