There is likely a perfectly good reason something like this doesn't exist, but I'm just wondering why. Or maybe it does & I just haven't come across it.
I don't have a taper attachment so when I swing my compound out to the right to cut shallow tapers, I inevitably clunk into the vertical segment of my tailstock casting when end is supported on a center. Usually I have to stick my quill so far out, its cantilevering quite a bit. And still tight or limited rotation & dial access.
I was thinking about a C shaped one like this sketch. (Dimensions aren't accurate, just meant to convey idea). The assembly clamps on to the lathe bed same as the tailstock steady. Base plate is indexed with a V slot & slides/registers on the bed flats. Its secured down with same through-bolt & clamp. The dead center aligns to spindle. But the open C frame allows the compound to rotate through less obstructed & better access to the dial. So visualize the assembly replacing the fixed steady in these pics.
I don't have a taper attachment so when I swing my compound out to the right to cut shallow tapers, I inevitably clunk into the vertical segment of my tailstock casting when end is supported on a center. Usually I have to stick my quill so far out, its cantilevering quite a bit. And still tight or limited rotation & dial access.
I was thinking about a C shaped one like this sketch. (Dimensions aren't accurate, just meant to convey idea). The assembly clamps on to the lathe bed same as the tailstock steady. Base plate is indexed with a V slot & slides/registers on the bed flats. Its secured down with same through-bolt & clamp. The dead center aligns to spindle. But the open C frame allows the compound to rotate through less obstructed & better access to the dial. So visualize the assembly replacing the fixed steady in these pics.
It would have to be a bit more massive than you have it drawn, but no reason it couldn't work.
Love it!