Pilot of 4-8-2 scrapes rails

[Cortland]

I have an HO Bachmann Spectrum C&O 4-8-2. The big problem with it is that the pilot or "cow catcher" is mounted too low and runs along the top of the rails and bumps into the crossovers, frequently derailing. How do I solve this problem?

[SteamGene]

Try gently bending the tip of the pilot up just a bit.  You might try heating it a bit with a hairdryer.  Be careful bending and heating.  Generally speaking the term "cowcatcher" went out with the 4-4-0. 
Gene

[Guilford Guy]

I had the same problem with my 2-10-2, I ended up bending the plow up and adding a strip of styrene to reinforce it and hold it in that position.

[GN.2-6-8-0]

You might also try putting a mild spring on on your lead truck ,that would give a bit of lift to the front of your engine.