Bob, I thought you must know about rock climbing. Some of the guys I know went to the Tetons and also El Capitan years ago now. Yes, guys thought nothing of hitching most anywhere.
Ah ha to your question! My consolidation engines came with a cast metal dummy full size o gauge coupler that is easily exchanged for the dummy scale coupler with one screw. I don’t know why they don’t include one with every steamer. I would think they can be bought as a spare part from an MTH dealer since I heard it is tough or impossible to get them directly from MTH. I can get a photograph when I get home.