Looking for a simple dummy O3R coupler with a Kadee 805 shank. My immediate interest/need is with the shank centered on the coupler. However, I can readily see that hi-shank and lo-shank...maybe extended shank, too...versions could be handy for accommodating variations in car floor height.
Background... I like building O scale cars from the old kits...All-Nation, Ambroid, Gloor, Quality Craft, et al. I'm now completing another Ambroid caboose project and thought I'd like to make it easily/quickly versatile for either O2R (Kadee) or O3R (d' claw!).
I had accumulated a bunch of dummy O couplers from these old kits. One style (cannot say what brand it is, though.) has a shank that is exactly the same cross-section as a Kadee 805 shank. Unfortunately, the shank is underset to the knuckle centerline. Nonetheless, I modified the shank to have the necessary features (e.g., centering nubbin on bottom side) and length to replicate that of the 805. I put it into the 805 box, used a slightly stiffer centering spring to improve the centering action, and it works like a charm! Of course, with the shank underset the knuckle is about 0.100' too high to the 0.688" 'standard'. But the easy/quick changeout versatility of the design was proven.
In the broader sense, I know that the O3R coupler version being a dummy would be a negative for many users. However, for me it's wholly acceptable. I'm not into a lot of automated car dropping/swapping as a rule. Also, I have Gargraves/Ross trackwork throughout. I've found that rolling stock equipped with O2R wheels works quite well on this track for simple running.
Thanks for your consideration. My email info is in my personal info. Or send a private message.
KD
