ESM Keyser Valley Caboose

[Joetrain59]

Either here, or on TB, someone posted pix of their finished model. Could not find it.
 I believe he used Z905's, and did something to get an up, offset shank, sl it was at correct height.
 I'm at the coupler stage on mine, Z905 sits waaaay too low. Would hate to have to remove a lot of material on resin kit.
 Joe D

[bbussey]

Every online photo I've seen of built models show them with the #2001 couplers included with the kit.  I would advise against removing the integrated coupler pocket, as that will leave a deck too thin to screw a Z-scale coupler box to and change the mounting surface for the end railings.

[x600]

Joe, That might have been me. I did mount Z905's on my car.  They are the standard coupler and are a little low, but they have worked fine on many trains on our nTrak layout.
Sorry Bryan, I did lots of things to the kit, that you might advise against   

Greg

[Joetrain59]

Thanks Greg and Bryan. I wish MTL would expand their Z scale offerings, and also sell bulk packages.
 Joe

[bbussey]

Joe, That might have been me. I did mount Z905's on my car.  They are the standard coupler and are a little low, but they have worked fine on many trains on our nTrak layout.
Sorry Bryan, I did lots of things to the kit, that you might advise against   

Greg, no need for apologies.  You did a fantastic job.  It's always enjoyable to see projects taken to the next level.

[Joetrain59]

Have to check what UniMates I have!
 Joe D

[bbussey]

Why not simply use the MTL #2001 offset-shank couplers included with the kit?

[Scott Lupia]

I can see going with the Z-scale couplers.  I do that with all of mine.  But going with something other than the included MT couplers?  I am not understanding the wisdom with that.  I have built several of these cabooses and haven't encountered a problem requiring different couplers.

scott lupia

[bbussey]

Joe,

Both Greg and Scott have informed me that the existing KV coupler pocket will accept the 905 coupler knuckle/thumb as is, so you don't have to modify the chassis.

[Joetrain59]

I think N MTL couplers are big. Hence the want for the smaller Z905. After I cut the mounting post off the body, yes, Z905 slid right in. But knuckle is way to low, against MTL gauge.
 Joe D

[Scott Lupia]

OK, I understand what you are looking for now.  A smaller, more scale appearance coupler is always a big improvement to any N-scale model.  I couldn't figure out why you wanted to replace the included MT coupler with something like an accumate which is a step sideways if not backwards.  I have installed z-scale couplers on a few of the cabooses and never had a height issue or at least one that was enough to cause unintended uncouplings.  I would test the caboose with the Z-scale couplers before you start hacking it up.  It might not be as much of an issue as you think.

scott lupia

[bbussey]

I think N MTL couplers are big. Hence the want for the smaller Z905. After I cut the mounting post off the body, yes, Z905 slid right in. But knuckle is way to low, against MTL gauge.
 Joe D

As I stated above, if you use the 905 knuckle/thumb (without the 905 coupler box), it fits and is close enough to the correct height without modifying the body.  Now, you'll have to figure out a way to install a substitute post that will be strong enough to handle the load.

[Joetrain59]

Oh, without the 905 box. I can fashion a new post. Give it a whirl tomorrow if I can.
 Thanks,
 Joe D

[x600]

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



Greg O.

[Joetrain59]

Any pix Greg?
 Joe D