Improve electric pickup in Atlas GP with TCS CN-GP decoders

[mu26aeh]

I have two Atlas GP 7/9 units that have the CN-GP decoders in them.  Neither one runs very consistently.  I have cleaned the track (other engines run great with drop in decoders) , I cleaned the wheels on the Atlas units, and I'm thinking the problem is between the trucks and contact wipes.  Any suggestions to improve the pickup ?

[peteski]

Yes,
polish the heck out of them.

On the truck side I use a 4-grit fingernail polishing stick to get the top of the metal nubs polished. For the final polishing I use a paste polish (I use Top Brite brand) and some cotton cloth.  I also remove the flat pickup springs from the chassis and using the paste polish and cotton cloth I polish the surfaces which contact the truck nubs. No need to use the 4-grit sticks on those flat springs.

I think that improves the electrical contact, and the polishing paste also protects the metal surfaces from oxidizing.

[sizemore]

Also clean the contact cups that ride on the axle points. Its one of the missed opportunities to clean an engine properly and get better operation.

The S.