--- In STMFC@..., Tim O'Connor <timboconnor@...> wrote:
Denny,
Consider that most (uncushioned) model draft gear do not extend further than the end sills, and then the extra shank length (.031) plus the smaller coupler head means that the car-to-car distance is closer to prototype than you might expect if you're only considering the shank length. So if you insist on using only the "short" shank #153 then you must also mount your draft gear so the distance over pulling faces of the couplers is set according to the prototype.
Tim O'Connor
That's not a foregone conclusion, Tim. Back when I did the first kits for Accurail, I looked at this; my thought was to position the coupler pivot point so the cars had the correct coupled distance. What I found was that the coupler box would have to end back under the car, which was not going to please the customers. So, I just put the end of the box at the correct location of the striker plate, and figured some day our model couplers would finally catch up. From what I've seen, most manufacturers have done the same, modeling the car, but not paying much attention as to what the modeler is going to put in the coupler box.
