So I've been running train with old , cheap , cabooses and decided to upgrade and bought a newer model , Lionel 2026880. My issue is that the rollers sometime spark when going across my 027-042 radius switches causing the light on my GW transformer to flash red and often slowing the train down noticeably. Any solutions short of modifying all of my approximate 15 switches ?
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Get down at track level and see what's causing the short. Roll the car back and forth to see where the short is occurring. Use a flashlight if necessary. Once you determine the cause then a fix can be proposed.
I've had issues with 5121/22's but not the 042 version (I have two on my layout).
Sometimes insulating a section of rail with nail polish or clear poly urethane helps.
The problem is usually the wheelsets contacting the wide center rail at the divergence. Using strips of tape to insulate suspicious portions of that rail, you can narrow down and isolate the problem spot(s) and use a good electrical tape, nail polish, or Plasti Dip to make a more permanent insulation job.
Sell the caboose? 
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