@Adriatic - Following the post from the beginning, you will see that the track and trucks have been tended to, that I have cycled through 2 pick up assemblies, 3 sets of springs (2 original, 1 new), 3 sets of rollers (2 original, 1 new) in addition to super servicing and now adding the additional pickup lead. I'm not using oil to lubricate/clean the rollers, but CRC 2-26 which is marketed specifically to improve electrical connections. I've used this on all my engines (40+) and has not been an issues (and don't necessarily suspect it is an issue now). I appreciate all the thorough input on the forum here and I will continue to update as I work through this locomotive.
Next is replacing the original but not worn out brushes with new ones (once I locate my stash). If that dosen't work, I may have to order brush springs as I don't think I have those in stock. After that, I think I do have another set of horizontal motors to service and install to see if that makes a difference.
Part of the fun of postwar O Gauge trains is that they are high quality toys which were designed to be serviced! Imagine if today's manufacturers of widgets were designed and manufactured to the standards of these toy trains from the early 50's!
