One more thing, Rick, the reason Athearn made the distance between the units so long was to facilitate operation on tight radius tracks. Realistic close coupling would put the distance between units at 2-3 feet instead of a scale 5 feet, but it only works if you have a wide radius to work with. In 18-22 nch radius curves, the stock Athearn distance will work better. If they are coupled too close together, the bodies will hit before the locomotive makes a tight enough turn to get around 18-22 inch radius.