the couplers are opening when I cross a switch. I just cleaned the trucks yesterday and they are clean and in god order visually. Any advice.?
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Crossing postwar switches? Or modern switches?
Watch the sliding shoes closely as the car traverses the frog rail of the switch. The rivet in the sliding shoe is probably making momentary contact with the frog rail, energizing the coupler.
Larry
The switch is 022, but vintage is new. This switch is made later that 1969, for sure
Made in China . 022 but model 6-14062
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A common problem with no good fix. That looks like a milk car so you probably want it to work , the only thing would find the spot on the switch where the rivet touches and cover that spot with tape.
So is it impractical or important to get a new “used” shoe or truck? The milkman mechanism does work. So I would like to keep it serviceable.
You don't need a new shoe or truck. The problem is in the design of the shoe and switches.
A piece of tape strategically placed on the switch as Jim suggests will solve the problem.
Larry
Years of operation may have worn down the "ears" on the shoe to either side of the rivet to the point where the rivet touches the third rail when going over a switch. You might want to look into putting fresh contact shoes on.
Hope this helps!
Mitch
