Model Railroading > A pioneer in model railroading passes away.

Lawrence “Dale” Edwards Sr.
Co-founder of Kadee®
February 1921 –September 2014


A True Pioneer in Model Railroading, Dale Edwards was the “D” in Kadee and his identical twin Keith was the “K”.

The twins started Kadee in the mid 40’s and created the first knuckle couple that actually looked and worked like the real ones. With several improvements on the original design, the Magne-matic® metal knuckle coupler became an instant hit. Today, the knuckle coupler is the de-facto standard in Model Railroading.

In, 1961 they designed and built the twin rail spiker that allowed modelers to lay their own track by driving miniature spikes over the toe of the rail holding it in place. In the 70’s they began to produce a line of freight cars that were noted for their detail and accuracy in N scale. These Micro-Trains® were the finest detailed ready to run rolling stock built.
In 1990 the twins decided to split the company with Dale taking Kadee with the HO couplers and larger and Keith with the Micro-Trains line N Scale and smaller. With the impending expiration of the coupler patent, Dale knew he had to create something innovative and “special” that would leapfrog the competition and began developing a brand new model of the PS1 40’ boxcar. The work to create all the tooling for the molds and die making would take accuracy, detail and meticulous craftsmanship in order to have operational moving doors, see through roof walks and scale grab irons and ladders. This was once again, done ALL in house.

Dale was also responsible for the creation of the “Whisker” coupler centering system he designed in the mid 80’s. However, application of the Whisker stalled until 2006 when a suitable wire was created.

Dale had his hand in developing more than 40 patents and Kadee now manufactures couplers, components, HO RTR rolling stock and accessories made of metal and plastic in HO scale through G scale all made entirely in White City, Oregon.

Dale believed in the American dream, his employees and vision to make the best possible products with the quality people he employed while doing so all under one roof as to not sacrifice quality nor lose control of supply chains.

Dale was preceded in death by his older sisters Wilda and Nathie, older brother Al, his wife Grace and twin brother Keith.

His five children Larry, Jacque, Bonnie, Melinda and Doug and his many grandchildren will miss him greatly.
Dale’s legacy and business Kadee will continue manufacturing America’s finest model railroading products for years to come. Because that’s the way he wanted it!!!

May God, Bless Dale as he fulfilled his love of trains which was his passion, his life and legacy.

I'm sure your last line goes for all of us

Ed Stewart
Jacksonville, FL

Just sit and think how many Kadee couplers have been sold over the years and how many cars are out there rolling with them right now. Then think of the joy and satisfaction they brought to many of us when we moved beyond horn hook couplers on our early Athearn cars for a few dollars. That is a big impact on many people. Thank you K and D.

I doubt you could name two brothers who have done more for the model railroad hobby than K & D. We all owe a debt of gratitude to them for making some key items that are standards in the hobby. They won't be forgotten so long as well keep installing Kadee Couplers on our cars.

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

big Thanks to K and D! RIP

Javier Cervantes
Castle Rock , CO

And five children and many grandchildren, sounds like a life well lived.

Thank You Dale...Rest in Peace

Amen!

~RGDave

And the metal KD couplers are quite durable too, not like some plastic knock offs... I can trust them not to cause a run away on my helices.

calsubd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm sure your last line goes for all of us


No doubt. RIP.