I run this train as a consistent consist. I have added 2 Alaska Railroad Passenger cars to make the train more protoypical. I never change the consist. The Bachmann couplers are not totally cooperative. I can run the train literally for several hours and then for no apparent reason I get an uncouple. Can somebody suggest a reliable method/or change of couplers/ that I could use for a fixed coupling of this train?
To keep the couplers together on long coal trains, I use the same small rubber bands orthodonists use for keeping braces tight. Loop one end carefully around the shank of each car's coupler and pull the middle through itself to snug up the tension. When you wish to "uncouple", merely pull on the other side of the rubber band and it'll release the tension and be ready for removal. By the way...they're virtually invisible when in use. It sure beats using glue and keeps the coupler functional for other RR applications if you ever wish to make car changes...unlike glue. I got a few from a local orthodonist many years ago but here's a place that sells 'em Rubberbands - Orthodontic Elastics
