Boilermaker, I understand your position, as an operator I don’t like the large opening either, but until someone figures out how to implement an operating coupler on tighter then normal curves I will put up with the opening.
In reality, filling in the opening on this engine should be simpler then most as this is a fairly flat opening, not contoured like a E or F unit pilot.
However, the performance is so good on the S2/S4, and, I assume this NW2 will be the same. I will go with this (Santa Fe) until someone makes a better (correct and operating) switcher.
Charlie