Tylerf and ABC -- thanks for the advice on replacing the couplers. Is it a fairly easy replacement? I checked on the Kadee website and they have fairly specific directions for each make/model, but only for a small subset of units on the market. I plan to check with my local hobby shop to see if they can help.

Interestingly, the 2 coaches from the Royal Gorge set have different coupling mechanisms. The end of the  coupler on the Skydome coach pivots inside a little black box with a small screw facing downwards. The second coach that I am having problems with has the E-Z Mate coupler that is attached to a piece of plastic that fits inside a y-shaped groove on the bottom of the coach and is anchored via a spring. Seems like I would have to replace the whole coupling system?

I'm running with only two locomotives and two coaches (that's all we have so far) on a flat sheet of plywood with no grades. I checked the tracked many times to make sure it was connected correctly, but that's not it. I don't think rough handling accounts for it either as I see no visible sign of damage.

I purchased the Bachmann Royal Gorge set for my son for Christmas. The two coaches are quite long, and they do not stay coupled. The domed coach works OK, but the other one does not. The E-Z coupling system just doesn't seem to work well. There is simply too much up-down wiggle room with the couplers. If the couplers do not line up exactly, then the one in a higher position slips upward and the lower coupler slips downward and the train separates. After experimenting on several occasions, I cannot get the train to stay coupled -- quite frustrating!

Is there any way to fix this? I tried calling service dept and left a message, but got no response. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.