Hi,

I recently posted some topics about curved points and loco running. One item that came up was the pickup shoe on a new lok that I thought was a 36740 DB 74 class 2-6-0 steamer in the 29074 starter set. Looking more closely it has a different running number it has 74854 instead of 74838 so maybe it is a dodgy budget version for starter sets?

The issue is/was that the pickup shoe on this brand new lok had a "reverse" bend in it that meant the ends could dig in to the centre studs in the track. It seems to be fixed after some careful straightening - time will tell. However, when I look at the parts diagram that came with the set's book the pickup on my loco isn't the one shown in the parts diagram.



It is clearly different and is made of thin 0.25 mm metal that is very easily bent as opposed to the 0.85 mm thick ones on my other locos. I'd be much happier if it had the thick version and better shaped ends.

Can anyone tell me if the pickup shoe from a "proper" 36740 lok (part number E144 133?) can replace the one fitted to my lok? Do they just lever out and clip back in? What is the correct Marklin part number for my lok?

Marklin - sigh.

I agree with costing; I have only one loko with this type of slider (BR74); after some running in, it now runs very well. -But it did take some time. It causes no problems, and does seems slightly more silent.
I was very sceptic about it in the beginning too! ;-)

I have had to modify a couple of new locos to make them work on R1 points. Marklin BR78 and Lillipt BR75 Both Front and rear bogies. I had to put more spring tension on the 78 and trim the 75 to allow more movement of the bogies sideways.