Hook & loop coupler for tender of 2-8-0 Yellow Pine Lumber Connie?

[Jerry McColgan]

The Connie is the only 1:20.3 item on my layout. 1:20.3 is simply too large for my layout but I have the Connie and I like it but I could use it a lot more if I could fit Bachmann or LGB hook & loop couplers to it.

After looking at the tender it looks like a H&L conversion will not be easy.

Please DO NOT advise anything other than H&L. I can live with the tender's knuckle coupler if I have to but most of my rolling stock has H&L's. Kadees ARE NOT an acceptable option.

Also...

I can start another topic if necessary but is their an easy way to improve the Connie's pilot wheels tracking so they will push through wrong way turnouts (i.e. weights)?

Thanks,

Jerry