682 power collector issues

You could probably chamfer the shoulders of the 671 rollers to clear the control rails.

 

The 681 part was modified to use narrower rollers for just this issue, and is the recommended replacement part.

Thanks, I shall replace with the 681-4

The 681-4 still contacts the operating track middle rails. I have applied finger nail polish and it has helped some. the middle rails must be lowered some to clear the engine clearances. The trick is to get the middle rails high enough to operate the MTH log car yet clear the bottom of the Lionel 682...working on it.

I have taken my Gargraves operating and uncoupling tracks apart and lowered the 2 middle rails and that has helped a good bit. No issues with any of the Lionel and MTH cars picking up power with the shoes. The 681-4 now only makes infrequent contact and I think I can fix that by doing some grinding on the 681-4 and removing some material. The finger nail polish does work great as an insulator and with it's smooth hard surface, does not hang up. We will see how well it wears over time and use. Thanks for all the help.

For operating track sections when using Gargraves track, another alternative is to use Super "O" operating track blades.  On Super O track, the blades fit into holes molded into the ties.  You can use the blades and drill holes in the wood ties of GG track.  If you use plastic tie track, it may work, also.  I've done it with wood tie GG track.

 

The blades are angled away from the center rail.  If you need uncoupling, Super O uncoupling track sections are very short and mate easily to GG track. 

 

Just some alternatives to consider.

 

In any case, glad you found at least a temporary, and, hopefully, long term solution.

 

Suggestion: if you haven't done so already, get in touch with Gargraves about the problem.  Perhaps they have a solution or can redesign the product to deal with the issue.

Thanks I will look at super o . Hargrove has been very helpful. I Will post pics when I get finished.