I would like to replace the wire running from the contact plate to the e-unit. I have the Greenburg book. It indicates that the contact plate with the sliders can be removed by twisting a screwdriver in the side hole. I have a later 2026 with the rollers. The roller contact plate seems to be constructed the same as the slider plate. May I remove it the same way safely? Are there tips from anyone? Thanks.
Removing / replacing contact plates, whether there are rollers or sliders, is extremely difficult, and should be avoided if at all possible. Those plates are locked in place when the motor sides are staked together.
I was concerned about that too. The Greenberg book made it look too easy.
Remove the E-unit and see if you can reach the pickup wire. The roller plate is old and it will break very easily. Caution is the key here.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Not sure why you want to replace the wire running from the contact plate, but as others have mentioned, if you try to remove contact plate be careful. I have done it successfully, and worried every minute of the process. It is more trouble than it is worth. If your wire is cracked, and you are worried about shorting, why not run a piece of shrink tub down over the existing wire from the top. Even if you don't shrink it, it will offer you protection from shorting as there should be little movement of this wire. If the wire is disconnected from the contact plate I would try one of the other ideas suggested.
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