I put scale couplers on my CZ cars. I simply bolted the Atlas scale coupler shank to the OEM truck hardware. The diaphrams touch and the cars negotiate O88 with no problems. IF a scale coupler looks best on the end of the observation car then why would it not look best between the cars? To me the answer is that scale couplers ALWAYS look better than lobster claws regardless of where the coupler happens to be in the train. But that is just me and maybe I am too OCD.
My point was painting the lobster claws silver on the El Cap cars would make them stand out. Yes the OEM lighting on the El Cap cars was insulting. It was neon blue and only illuminated about 1/3 of the car. I used John's board and ripped out the crappy OEM lighting and intalled soft white LED strips. I also glued more passengers in the seats and I "rolled my own" SS diner like John showed us how to do. I just wish the cars would more easily accept scale couplers. Despite a few shortcomings these cars are wonderful.
