VL Big Boy 2331250 Coupler Height

Here’s a pic of the front coupler on the Aux Tender.

I haven't taken this apart before but my immediate thought is to pop the e-clip off the coupler axle, lift the washer and spring and coupler off, then add a washer or two on the axle. The e-clip is the part on the end of the rod that the coupler spins on if you're not sure. I pop them off carefully with a screwdriver or needle nose pliers because they love to fly across the room.

Again, I'm assuming that's how it all comes apart. I haven't actually taken it apart but I have had peculiar coupling issues with my Big Boy. I never looked closely at the coupler height because it happened on the same track section of my layout. The trackwork is temporary there so I assumed it was my fault. I have some work to do on the whistle on this locomotive tonight so I'll check my height and see if the method I suggested will work.

I had this same issue with my older VL BB. I did exactly as Bill suggested.  A small 1/4" washer (I believe) works. The hardest part is the clip. (We used to call them "Jesus Clips" in auto repair shops) You can guess why.....

Mike

The problem is the coupler on the loco’s tender - there is a metal piece that is screwed onto the tender frame that holds the coupler.  It looks that would need to be lowered (downward towards the track surface) to allow the actual coupler to be dropped as well?

Putting any washer or spacer between the metal piece holding the coupler in place and the coupler itself seems like it try to raise the coupler even more, wouldn’t it?

Steve, you are correct. I just looked at mine ( 2014 version bought second hand). It looks different than yours and was likely modified prior to my purchase. The washer fix will not work for your version. I'm wondering if that post is removable and a shim could be placed underneath whatever holds the post in place?? Sorry I'm not much help.

Mike

Thanks Mike! I do appreciate the advice regardless.