Hello Paul
BECAUSE the (MTH) O-Scale Low-V cars and Q types DO NOT HAVE those "end pantograph gates" -- like the Models of the post war SMEE R-Type Class cars do, they can be coupled closer together without "fouling" the fixed end gates. In real life, the end pantograph side safety gates "accordion" (collapse and expand via springs when rounding curved track as their end-outward facing "rub plates" actually rub, make contact, against each other at the ends of each car. The MTH models gates DO NOT "collapse" and MTH produces and shows them as "semi extended" and not as fully extended as they would normally be and appear in a train of cars on a STRAIGHT TRACK.
The Low-V and Q Types produced by MTH are the only pre war NY transit class rolling stock that, like their prototypes, DO NOT and NEVER had the SMEE R-type fixed end pantograph gates. The gates between the Low-V and Q Types (and ALL woden EL Cars) were "accordion folding gate" type safety gates.
The LONG SHANK MTH COUPLERS are needed to keep the MTH subway cars with fixed, dummy" end "Pantgograph Gates" far enough apart on sharp curves so these gates do not contact or tangle with each other and either break off or derail the train. However, those long couplers are "overkill" in length solely and more so to allow the cars to negotiate the sharpest tinplate track curves -- being 027 curves !!.
Because my 2 rail converted MTH R-Type "SMEE" subway cars run on my EL and system which has scale 2 rail track which has much more generous curves than 027, - I can couple my R types closer together using my own hand-made and designed radial-swing type BODY MOUNTED couplers. Without my end panto gates jamming against each other.
Thanks for the comment on my 1200 car -- here are some photos BELOW of it in action on my EL --
regards - Joe F
