Based on my experiences last weekend, I've come up with an updated FastTrack actuator for the 3376/3386 Giraffe Car and 3424 Brakeman Car...
I've discovered that, in running multiple 3424s over an extended period of time, the aged solenoids, while they work, require additional "loiter time" over the contact. Accordingly, the new contact has been lengthened from 2" factory spec to a full 5" (half track length).
I used a hot knife to cut the slot for the giraffe actuator, rather than a cutoff wheel in a Dremel. I may try a small endmill to cut the slot in future incarnations,
I've also taken a trick from Harry Henning on the Tips and Tricks forum on Facebook, and bolted the contact strip directly to the ground jumper for positive ground connection...
I've got more 1/4" brass angle on order, so, once that arrives, I'll build a non-giraffe contact and conduct some simulated field tests...
Mitch