MTH 20th Century Limited tether-coupling engine to tender

I have the same set and did experience the same problem initially. This is the only locomotive that was excessively difficult so far. There are a few ways to look at it. Since it is tight it is unlikely to become loose during use. On the other hand, if you're constantly adding and removing the train to/from the tracks, it could get a bit annoying. From my experience, the locomotive performs quite well. After you get the hang of setting the drawbar, it becomes easier. Most of the time I place the tender and locomotive on the tracks, align the pin and then with my palms resting on the tender, press up on the draw bar with my fingers until in place. Others may have better methods, but this has worked for me. I wouldn't give up on this set just yet. I think you will be happily satisfied. My Hudson rarely leaves the track when my layout is built, so this has not been a huge problem. Regardless, I see the wireless drawbar as a HUGE improvement (particularly in looks) over the old tether system used in older MTH models. 

Hope this helps.

Marc

Hey Marc,  thanks for the welcome experience & advice!  Appreciate it very much.  Have not seen anything on YouTube or MTH site that addressed this specific problem.  The main difficulty that I encountered was with the engine and tender on the track I was, for some reason, unable to fully insert the pin into the drawbar; after that was seated fully then the connector did snap into place.  Practice makes perfect, at least at times, so will hang in there and hopefully will become more adept at doing the connection.  Good point as to making a tighter connection.  Love the MTH 1938 Hudson and cars, although I don't know why MTH did not include sleepers and a diner in the set rather than the two coach cars, oh well still a beautiful set even though not prototypical in the consist but aside from that,  such an icon of railroading and art-deco design and so rich in  New York Central history.  If you have any advice as to which track to use, I'm all ears, lol.  Thanks again for your help!  Steve :-)

This prompted me to look at 10-pin round connectors to see if they were small enough to be used and made to look like a hose drooping in between the engine and tender.

The smallest I could find quickly was this one:

http://www.dhgate.com/product/...tible/266996950.html

but the OD is 6.4mm and the length is 36.5mm, too large to "hide".

Anyone know of a smaller 10-pin?

The one other problem I have with the set is that the observation car has the Commodore Vanderbilt logo instead of the 20th century limited logo.  MTH did not hit the home run with the cars... Nice, but not accurate to the actual train by any means. I was very surprised by that. I run this set on 0-54 track. It seems ample for good operation, but with the 19 inch cars, I do think O-72 would look better. I just don't have the space for that radius. 

Marc 

Hi guys, many thanks for the replies.  After I received your reply, Marc I went out to the test track and checked my observation car.  Not exactly an LOL, but jaw-dropping none the less;  it does say "Commodore Vanderbilt!"  I hadn't noticed that before as the logo is so small but along with the coach cars someone in Q.C. fell asleep when they attached the logo.  Oh well, love the set anyway but disappointed with MTH's lack of authenticity.  

Thoughts on handling modern, high-end model RR equipment: 

I have a couple of MTH "wireless" tether steamers (I tend toward the Lionel operating system equipment) - a Mohawk, for example. I find the tether annoying, too - but items at this level of complexity weren't really meant to be "constantly" removed and replaced on the track or layout. This doesn't mean that I don't understand, but if you have a situation that requires regular manhandling of heavy, expensive items, perhaps using smaller, more basic (less breakable) equipment would be advisable, until you get to the point that your high-end items can remain on the layout except for occasional lubrication and the like.

I sympathize. Just a thought and a suggestion; I do understand.

Thanks, D500.  Appreciate your comments/good advice.  Believe me that I intend to leave the 20th C. on the track as much as possible.  Glad to know that I'm not the only one that has been annoyed & frustrated with the MTH tether.  Thanks again.