How to fix operating car contacts?

SeattleSUPOGR Forum Member

Recently my Lionel log dumping car has become extremely finicky. 9 times out of 10 it won't operate when I press the button. I have 3 sections of operating track on my layout and it has problems on all 3. Furthermore, all of my other operating cars work fine on all 3 tracks so I'm certain the issue is with the car. If I gently press down on the car it operates so the problem appears to be that the electrical contact shoes in the trucks are no longer making a solid enough connection to the operating rails. Now that I know what's wrong does anyone have any ideas on how to fix it?

11/5/1311:02 AM

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C W BurfleOGR Forum Member

Try cleaning/polishing the rivet head that is centered in the slide shoe's groove.

11/5/1311:21 AM

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SeattleSUPOGR Forum Member

I cleaned the contact shoe but it didn't make a difference. Also cleaned the track.

11/5/1311:30 AM

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C W BurfleOGR Forum Member

Which log car do you have?

There should be a number on the side of the car.

11/5/1312:19 PM

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SeattleSUPOGR Forum Member

It's the 6-29806 Weyerhauser model.

11/5/132:53 PM

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rrmanOGR Forum Member

Are you using the "traditional old" Lionel UTC or a "modern" one. Wonder if the control rail(s) are slightly wider/lower than the old style so shoe rivet not making contact. Otherwise might be shoes not perfectly aligned in truck, so won't go straight (canted) onto the rails. Or a rivet is worn down.

11/5/134:10 PM

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