LOS (my 3RS icon) is correct, regarding the FRA regs. However, I would differ with him regarding the color of the couplers. To me the look like a gun metal gray, presumably the color of the diecast material of which they're made, plus they seem to have a very thin coat of varnish to protect them from the elements. I have seen the color gray on brand new coupler castings that have yet to see their first rain storm but that is all.
Like Mario, I give mine a light coat of paint. However, I don't use Krylon camo because the paint appears to be a thicker consistency than the Fusion sub-brand that I use on almost everything else. A light coat of brown followed by an extremely light dusting of black and a little red oxide primer finishes the paint job. I did find that the paint hindered the couplers from sliding past each other when making a hitch. Therefore, I apply a quick swipe on the outer (not pulling) face of the knuckle with a Q-Tip pre-moistened with some household furniture wax, let it dry, then give it a light buffing with a felt wheel mounted on my Moto-Tool and I'm good to go.
If Mr. Kadee is listening, it would be swell if the couplers did come pre-weathered with an ultra thin coating such as the good, hard varnish he now applies. That would save time for the likes of me and assure perfect performance. Thanks to likes of LOS. Mario, Rich Battista, CNJ#1601, et al, Mr. Kadee can now afford that yacht he's always wanted... at my expense. Somehow SIRT continues to make The Claw look acceptable but I don't know how he does it and I've given up trying.
