Shorter coupler for Polar Express

[mwarfel]

Where can I find a shorter coupler that connects the engine to the tender?

http://i36.tinypic.com/2hr2td2.jpg

[tbrook]

Modification of the tender's draw bar on the Polar Express is the easiest way to shorten the distance between the loco and the tender. About 1/2" back from the tender's draw bar's original slit cut another slit to allow the loco's draw bar's hook to latch into the tender. The slit should be the same length across the draw bar as the original but the width of the slit can be a lot less that the original slit. No need to cut off the rest of the existing draw bar as it looks and works fine as is. Now the tender and the loco are 1/2" closer together and looks 'Lionel' normal. The engine & tender will still easily negotiate O31 curves.

At the Club meeting on November 18, 2009 I will have a break out session and actually modify Max's engine at the meeting.

The Polar Express running on the Club's layout already has the new shorten draw bar set-up.