Hi the problem with relays in American Flyer E units in general, they will develope a little residual magnatism as they are being used, so it is good if you can create a little air gap, like a piece of scotch tape as mentioned above or better yet a little teflon tape, the trick is to keep the airgap small enough so you can get the travel needed to do the mechnical cycle. Also as mentioned any place you can improve the frictions points the better the unit will run.
