made up a fix without modification but takes away from appearance. cut approximately 1/4 in lenghts of heat shrink tube and slipped over one side of coupler. the tube had just enough diameter to allow the mating coupler to hook but provided enough tension to keep the couplings hooked. did not apply heat to shrink the tubing. grandson and I are able to enjoy his N scale train that fits within his HO layout.

Bachmann Model 24020 Durango & silverton set experienced that the coupler height from the tender to lead car mismatched to the point will not hook. the coupler on the tender is mounted to the bottom of the car while the cars couplers are attached to the wheel trucks. i would think the tender would need some sort of a block to lower the height of the coupler. It is a new gift to my grandson and i wouldn't think i would need to start modifying it. is contacting the retailer and reporting defective for a replacement set my best alternative? love to hear input.