Someone asked me if it was feasible to change out a Sharon coupler draft gear and replace it with tightlocks. Not being a car expert, but knowing there are several here, what say ye?

I'm reminded of the old saying "you can do anything with enough time and money". It really has more to do with the construction of the car than what type coupler it had originally. What is the side to side spacing of the center sill webs -- or put another way will a modern draft gear fit? Are the draft stops located correctly for the new coupler or will it be too long or short?

I've seen heavyweights that an H tightlock would be pretty much a drop in replacement with appropriate mods to the coupler carrier and cut levers. Then again I've seen cars that would require extensive modifications to the frame, draft pocket and so on that would make a tightlock really expensive/difficult to do.

Your results may vary...

ETA

What ETA said. Start with pictures and measurements, then start looking at websites like Columbus Castings and Irwin Car. Do you really need H couplers, or would an F work? There are options, particularly if you can squeeze in an F yoke. And money does talk....

I guess it would help if I give a info on the car type. A former SP commuter car built in the 1920's would be the recipient. Would the F be acceptable for railroad/Amtrak operation?

You might want to read up on the complete car standards list for Amtrak. I am no car expert, so others might jump in and clarify. F tightlocks seem acceptable. You will need the complete 4 plug HEP plus the trainline comm connector. The trucks must be disassembled and checked for cracks with dye, as well as many parts of the frame, etc..

http://www.rpca.com/pdfs/AmtrakSMP286031982.pdf

We have just completed the installation of new couplers in old pockets that once carried Sharon couplers.

This installation actually requires a few new changes to the original frame and original pocket or carriers. These new adaptations include new buff/draft cushioning devices as well as new couplers. The installed couplers shown here are from Columbia Steel Castings.

This is one of many new or modern adaptations Wasatch is making to passenger cars. I will be posting another thread that shows a variety of work we have been doing to help modernize old passenger cars.

New Hope & Ivyland recently replaced the Sharon couplers on its car 1127 with AAR Type-D couplers. I'm not sure of what specific work was done, but it seems to have been fairly minor. I can't imagine doing the same thing with tightlock couplers being much different.

The National Heights heavyweight observation car group is making their ex-B&O heavyweight observation Amtrak compliant, including HEP, conversion to roller bearings, plus tight-lock couplers, if you have Facebook access there are quite a few photos after this one that show how they did it:

https://www.facebook.com/nationalheight ... =3&theater

My understanding (I don't know them, I just picked it up from their Facebook page) is that their intention is to mainly use the car on Amtrak excursions. A true "sweat equity" project, very interesting.