In a recent post on the thread "Lash Up Questions," Riverrailfan mentioned blowing a board on a 0-8-0 because the tender coupler solder contacts touched the rear axle. That warning caused me to look at my 2001 0-8-0 and I found the contacts and the axle to be very close, and the coupler could flex enough for them to touch. In those days, the locos didn't have any insulator there and the upgrade kits did not contain an insulator. Later steam upgrade kits did include an insulator. Having been warned by Riverrailfan's tragedy, I pulled an insulator out of a steam upgrade kit and installed it. The insulator is a simple piece of thin, clear plastic.
I suggest that if you have an R-K 0-8-0, you check this.
I also wonder what other locos have the contacts in very close proximity and protective action should be taken.
