3461 coupler truck contact

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I have a 3461 log auto car that has the 483-1 coupler track. The contact shoe that touches the auto track rail broke so that it falls out of the truck, held only by the wire. There are two tabs on the shoe (where the spring hits it) that normally prevents the shoe from falling out. One of the tabs broke right at the solder point.

I thought I would try to glue the piece back on, but I am assuming that super glue will not work since it is plastic. I tried touching it with acetone to see if it got sticky and it did not, so I am also assuming that a solvent-type glue like model plastic glue will not work. Any suggestions on a glue that may work?

Can you buy just the contact shoe or do I need to by the entire truck? If I can buy the just the shoe, I cannot see how you install it into the truck.

2

Thanks to a train repair shop, I got my answer. The contact shoe is actually 3 pieces, ie., the shoe, a back plate and a rivet. It is an orderable piece.

3

I’ve had trouble with that car, too. The collector shoes hang up on the 1122 turnouts. That pulls the shoe through the truck, breaking the shoe plate. I tried filing the collector shoe to lessen the ‘grab’ as it crossed the turnout frog, but that didn’t help.

It seems to be the particular car; some guys have trouble with theirs, while other people don’t.

I’ll need to order a new collector, too, but I’m afraid the answer lies in a new car, or at least new base plates, couples, and slide shoes. Probably more that a new car would cost.

wyomingscout