Smoky Mountain Model Works, Inc.
Asheville, North Carolina • USA
Creating 20th Century Models Using 21st Century Technology
Smoky Mountain Model Works, Inc. • Asheville, NC 28805
Ph.:  (828) 777-5619  (10-5 M-F) • Email: jimking3@charter.net
Each item is designed in Solidworks 3D CAD.  Urethane casting patterns are made using Rapid Prototyping technology.
HO Scale (for Sergent ENC87K & Accurail)

Detailed coupler boxes replace Accurail's "sometimes hard-to-find" #1020 and #1031 parts with one VERY important improvement:  SELF-CENTERING.  This feature is OPTIONAL ... you can still position couplers where you want by placing the spring inside the coupler's shank.

Screw bosses are spaced apart the same as the Accurail parts.  The distance from the lid's face ("buffer block") to it's smooth back is .041" which, unlike most "mass-produced" boxes, places this assembly at a prototypically correct distance for most cars.  The trade-off is that you may need to shave off some of the model's end sill details and/or relocate the model's coupler screw holes to provide room for the lid's "riveted lip".  Of course, the "lip's" features can be filed off without affecting coupler operation but that would certainly detract from the intended appearance.

SUPER-SIMPLE assembly using CA ... just (2) parts for coupler box, (2) "riveted" cover plates, (2) screws plus Sergent's coupler and friction spring.

Click on CAD screen shots at left to view enlarged images.

Each kit includes castings and #0 screws to equip (8) cars.  Sergent's ENC87K coupler and friction spring NOT included.

87-DP-400-BN (brown-tinted parts) ... $19.00
87-DP-400-BK (black-tinted parts) ... $19.00
87-DP-400-GY (grey-tinted parts) ... $19.00
HO Scale Draft Gear
HO Scale (for Kadee "Whisker" & Sergent EC87K)

Upgrade your coupler boxes with these super-detailed parts suitable for Kadee #158 "Whisker" and Sergent EC87K "Compatible Shank" couplers.

"Boxes" include tinted, cast urethane boxes and lids plus (20)
#0-48 self-tapping screws for (10) cars.

"Kits" include items in "Boxes" plus #158 couplers for (10) cars.  Sergent couplers & springs must be purchased from Sergent Engineering (link is above).

An added feature for Sergent users is SELF-CENTERING.  This feature is OPTIONAL ... you can still position couplers where you want by placing the spring inside the coupler's shank.

Extended centersills fill the gap between the box and bolster.  Just cut-to-length with a razor saw.  THAT'S IT!

The screw boss is sized to fit the 1/8" diameter coupler shank hole but uses the smaller #0 screw.  The boss is located slightly closer to the front than Kadee's #262 box to provide more clearance for the "whisker" head without detracting from the appearance of Sergent's to-scale coupler.  The distance from the lid's face ("buffer block") to it's smooth back is .041" which, unlike most "mass-produced" boxes, places this assembly at a prototypically correct distance for most cars.  The trade-off is that you may need to shave off some of the model's end sill details and/or relocate the model's coupler screw hole to provide room for the lid's "riveted lip".  Of course, the "lip's" features can be filed off without affecting coupler operation but that would certainly detract from the intended appearance.

The box's as-cast opening is .180" ... easily widened with a jeweller's file up to .200" for long cars and/or tight curve radii.

Click on CAD screen shots at left to view enlarged images.

Each kit includes castings and #0 screws to equip (10) cars.

87-DP-401-BN ("Boxes" >> brown-tinted parts) ... $19.00
87-DP-401-BK ("Boxes" >> black-tinted parts) ... $19.00
87-DP-401-GY ("Boxes" >> grey-tinted parts) ... $19.00

87-DP-402-BN ("Kits" >> brown-tinted parts) ... $32.00
87-DP-402-BK ("Kits" >> black-tinted parts) ... $32.00
87-DP-402-GY ("Kits" >> grey-tinted parts) ... $32.00