Armorsmith, thanks for your reply! I do not currently have a coupler gauge; I can definitely see the value in having one for projects like this little bobber caboose where there doesn't seem to be a "standard" conversion coupler. The Kadee couplers I mentioned in my OP are from some other threads regarding adding a functioning front coupler to the Big Hauler locomotives and also from Kadee's website's conversion information. It seems like your suggestion makes a lot of sense, and if I decide to convert and run this caboose I'll buy the coupler height gauge and go from there. I don't have any definitive plans on layout size at this time, but I think it is unlikely I will use the tight, unrealistic looking 4' curves. Body mount couplers may be the way to go.
I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about swapping out couplers; this jump into large scale is simultaneously a jump into garden railroading and modeling in general. My previous experience has been in HO scale, and that was more of a toy than modeling. I have been reading extensively on various modifications I plan on making to the locomotives (such as converting to "Annie" chassis when the online store reopens), and that led me to this coupler conversion project.
I wish I had some pictures to go along with what I have and what I'm planning; everything is essentially in the beginning planning stages. I bought everything in a lot, which includes: a *Rocky Mountain Express" set, "Red Comet" set, "Liberty Bell Limited" set (although the locomotive has been swapped out with the locomotive from the "Fast Mail" set), a straight rerailer (LGB brass), and 50 feet (10 5' sections) of additional track (brass, unknown brand). My wife and I are creating a fictional rail line, and we are planning to repaint the locomotives/tenders and some of the rolling stock for this new road. For my track I will buy more brass track and set up an outdoor railroad (likely a simple elevated 2 track loop through the flower gardens) possibly with a spur to an engine house and car yard. I'd like to convert the 3 locos to DCC and upgrade the sound systems, as well as the driving gears as mentioned earlier with the "Annie" chassis swap.
I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about swapping out couplers; this jump into large scale is simultaneously a jump into garden railroading and modeling in general. My previous experience has been in HO scale, and that was more of a toy than modeling. I have been reading extensively on various modifications I plan on making to the locomotives (such as converting to "Annie" chassis when the online store reopens), and that led me to this coupler conversion project.
I wish I had some pictures to go along with what I have and what I'm planning; everything is essentially in the beginning planning stages. I bought everything in a lot, which includes: a *Rocky Mountain Express" set, "Red Comet" set, "Liberty Bell Limited" set (although the locomotive has been swapped out with the locomotive from the "Fast Mail" set), a straight rerailer (LGB brass), and 50 feet (10 5' sections) of additional track (brass, unknown brand). My wife and I are creating a fictional rail line, and we are planning to repaint the locomotives/tenders and some of the rolling stock for this new road. For my track I will buy more brass track and set up an outdoor railroad (likely a simple elevated 2 track loop through the flower gardens) possibly with a spur to an engine house and car yard. I'd like to convert the 3 locos to DCC and upgrade the sound systems, as well as the driving gears as mentioned earlier with the "Annie" chassis swap.