Laying it on it's side and connecting it is exactly how I finally figured to make the connection for these drawbars. I haven't had any issues once they're connected, it's just getting them connected that's a PITA.
Pity it is a PITA, but it is - a gigantic one. I don't like it at all on the bigger MTH steamers. On the 2-8-8 or the 999 4-4-0, its okay if still a pain. But on the biggfer locos, once you get the connection made (in itself not the easiest thing to do) you have to pick up loco and tender together to set them on the track: they weigh a lot and the loco often has a lot of delicate parts and that coupler itself looks and feels as if, if you aren't careful, you could twist it apart right then and there. I'm always a bit nervous doing it.
