There is an extension bracket that K-Line made for the Shays. One was used at each end of the engine to extend the coupler about half an inch, and allow a greater swing. Lionel chose not to make this part when they reissued the Shay. I believe that someone on the Forum had replacements manufactured (but I may be remembering this incorrectly). Cutting away part of the pilot beam actually sounds like a good solution if it will permit greater swing of the coupler. It may look better than the extended coupler solution.
X2000
