The Uintah mounted them high for the tight curves as Earl described and for the wide coupler swing as well. When we restored combine 50 we made the new rear coupler swing almost as far as the original and it would have hit a conventionally mounted angle cock. There are other benefits to this set up as well. Easy to make hose connections for brakemen and they don't drag in the snow.
As stated previously the Uintah cars could be used with other cars as long as you have a special adapter hose.. We made 2 for the 50 when we restored the car so we can use it with our Rio Grande equipment.
Jeff Taylor
CRRM curator of equipment and rolling stock.