A different type of coupler height gage

[Lemosteam]

Nott sure if this is the best are of the forum to post this, please move it if you think it belongs elsewhere.

I had an idea for a different kind of coupler mounting surface gage.  This one would allow a person to measure, or test fit various thickness materials from the end of the car without the gage being in the way. Obviously this will only work with a coupler-less truck on the car.

It's fairly simple just a piece of ten inch Unitrak, in this case on my photo board and a 3/4" long drywall screw. I chose a drywall screw because it is hardened, and very flat. Preferred a fine pitch screw over at coarse pitch.

Drill a hole smaller than the major diameter of the screw thread, and drove the screw in until flush with the top of the MT height gage.

 

 

Put your car on the track and roll it over the screw head.  Measure or test fit various styrene thicknesses like a feeler gage.  If you have a full complement of drill sizes they could be used like a feeler gage.

 

Just an idea...

[RWCJr]

Will have to add that height screw to the "test track glued to wood strip". Neat idea!!
Robert

[Paradise275]

The screw has to be driven in straight though!

Rick

[Lemosteam]

Agreed. Mines not quite perfect, but I did use a drill press. Maybe a tapped machine screw would be better. I'm of the mindset that a small bit might not matter all that much in terms of coupling.

[jagged ben]

This could definitely be useful.

[nkalanaga]

I've done the same thing for years using the MT (actually KD, it's that old) gauge itself.  The only disadvantage is that the MT gauge isn't fastened down, so one has to be careful not to tilt it while measuring.

[Lemosteam]

Nick, I find the raised branding and lettering on the top surface of the height gage to be an issue with measuring that way.  I suppose I could file it down.

[Sokramiketes]

Nick, I find the raised branding and lettering on the top surface of the height gage to be an issue with measuring that way.  I suppose I could file it down.

But the tail doesn't have lettering?  The tail is actually shaped to do this measurement, as it hits the coupler pad without getting stuck on other end details.  Unless you're using Z scale or other skinny boxes and have the end sills filled in.  Then you can file the Kadee gauge to narrow it.

[Lemosteam]

But if you cant get a feeler gage or other measuring device in there flat there's no point in measuring from the MT gage.  Maybe its just my fat fingers...  Im simply trying to determine the gap so I can buy the filler or lower the car, whichever is best.

[nkalanaga]

Mike:  Right, the tail is smooth, and since I use styrene for the shims, I can bend it to clear the lettering.  If it takes more than about 0.02 inches I usually glue a 0.03 piece on first then add more as needed.

[Lemosteam]

I don't want anybody here to think this thread was a knock on the MT gage (and i am not implying here that anyone has done that).  My big fingers struggle with small accesibility and i was simply trying to find a different, maybe easier for me, way for me to measure that gap, that's all.  So i thought i'd share my solution.

[chicken45]

I don't want anybody here to think this thread was a knock on the MT gage (and i am not implying here that anyone has done that).  My big fingers struggle with small accesibility and i was simply trying to find a different, maybe easier for me, way for me to measure that gap, that's all.  So i thought i'd share my solution.

It's true. He has big fingers. He's got hands like Andre the Giant!

[nkalanaga]

Yes, that would make using the MT gauge with feeler gauges difficult.