My 1666 has slideshoe pickups instead of the usual roller pickups that ride on the middle rail of the track and helps the locomotive pick up power. I guess that over the years, grooves were gradually cut into them and when it rolls on any part of track that is not so level or bumpy, they loose contact with the center rail so power is interupted, and it gets thrown into neutral. I don’t see any screws at the bottom of the engine’s frame so I’m guessing I would have to start from the top, and remove the motor to acsess them. Does anyone know if this is the best option? What else do you think I would have to do?
Hello Berk765,
Use a flat blade screwdriver & insert it under the flat copper spring that holds the sliding shoe in place & lift up gently. The Shoe will come out & insert a new one in. You will not have to take apart your 1666 to do this. Take Care.
Thank you very much 1688torpedo. Is a 1688 torpedo a type of steam locomotive, if you don’t mind me asking. I also fixed my headlight, it’s not an original fix, but it works. It gives off a nice aged yellowish glow to it that I just love. It’s remarkable that this engine is still running today. I bet if it could talk, it probably wouldn’t know what to think of how much toytrains have advanced after its time.
Hello Berk765,
A 1688 Torpedo is based on a Pennsylvania RR K-4 Pacific that became a streamliner in the 1930s. If you do a google search or check ebay. You will see what they look like. Take Care.