On the Bench - HOn3 Madness Cont'd. 06/20/2020

Here is the challenge, while I wait for some very specific small drill bits to arrive:

1. Locomotive Tender - heavily modified MDC 2-8-0 to resemble DRGW C-25 #375.

This will accept the coupler/draft gear box with only a slight shim added to adjust coupler height. 

2. Durango Press high side gondola. 

This looks like it will need a thick shim to bring the draft gear box down to align with the other rolling stock, but will not require any other mods to the carbody.

3. E&B Valley Stock Car

Although tight, the cast in coupler pockets will accept the Sergeant couplers at the correct height without modification. 

 I will need to fab a cover.

4. Durango Press Rotary Snow Plow tender.

I am guessing that even the prototype was something of a kluge since all plows were built to standard gauge dimensions and modified to suit the operating railroad. This will require a thick shim to bring the draft gear down to NG deck height.

5. Here is the one I'll need some help on. 

The Model Railroad General Store DRGW Caboose.

It's a nice kit. But the cast in draft gear boxes are unique, their prototype dimensions make them too narrow to accept an operating coupler,  it requires end sill and frame surgery to install an aftermarket solution, AND the truck frames are so close to the end sill even if I cut the SMMW draft gear boxes to extend only as far as the end of the coupler, it interferes with the truck axles. 

This will need an entirely different solution.

If any of you have cracked the code on this, all recommendations are welcome.

Updates after I get some of these mounted and operating.