If you lock the reverse unit in forward, will the loco coast through the switch?
#2 The pickups are replaceable. New ones might solve your problem. The Lionel service manual shows how and maybe that can be found online. Make sure you read it before attempting to remove them yourself. it's easy to wreck the spring.
Check to see if the pick up spacing matches the spacing of insulated parts of the switch.
#4 Prewar came with two different coupler heights, depending on the series of the cars. There is an adapter somewhere that will couple the low and the high. Again, the picture and proper name will be online somewhere.
