ESM Keyser Valley Caboose

[x600]

Here's the best picture of the coupler size, Joe.
I had to look at the car again to see what I did. I removed the cast on coupler box, filed the coupler pad a little, located the 905 and drilled a hole for the screw.
Mounted the 905 and clipped the end of the screw that protruded up through the end platform. After I filed the end and the platform was painted, you can't see the screw end
I added a BLMA air hose, but I see that I need to clip off the coupler trip pin.

Although the Z 905 is still a bit large, I use them only in certain places that I know will be seen and photographed. The front of E or F units and on cabooses.
Only occasionally have I had cars with Z scale couplers separate.

Greg O.

FYI - you need to be logged in to Trainboard to see this photo. -gfh

[bbussey]

I must have done it wrong. I used the 905 box 

There is no "right" or "wrong."  Your final version is exquisite.  I must have misunderstood.  Scott told me earlier today that he used the 905 coupler box as well.

[x600]

I was just joking, Bryan, I'm goofy like that   Thanks for the use of the word exquisite, It is the kit itself that shines through though!

sorry if you can't see the picture, I guess this is a good excuse to get a photo hosting page.

Greg O.

[Joetrain59]

Greg, that looks great! How do the 905's match up with MTL gauge?
 Like you, I really only use the 905's on loco's and cabeese. And some rolling stock that needs more realistic, closer coupling.
 Thanks,
 Joe D

[x600]

Thanks Joe, it really makes the train look like "Lackawanna".
The shank on the 905 is about 1/2 a coupler lower than the Micro-Trains N coupler in the gauge.
I usually don't have a problem on our wavy Ntrak layout, but when I did I just found a car with a droopy coupler and the problem was fixed.
I remember trying to assemble the Z coupler on the "pin" that came on the chassis, but with no luck, so I just deal with it when it becomes a problem.
Enjoy!
Greg O.