@RichardVB posted:Thank-you Mitch!
My pleasure!
Does the shoe look worn to you?
No, which raises the possibility of a weak spring or loose, dangling rivet falling below the groove when the car is upright.
Also, how hard is it to replace? Instructions?
If you're familiar with postwar trucks, fairly straightforward. With the shell off, undo the horseshoe clip and let the truck fall free. Unsolder the wire connexion. Pry open the tabs for the coupler plate, and you can get at the shoe plate and rivet. Cut the rivet, install new shoe and rivet, resolder wire, reassemble. 
Further - in a real-world situation (obviously I'm no brakeman) - isn't the man supposed to 'hit' the telltales and this indicates to him that he ought to lie down NOW?
Well, yes, but from a toy standpoint, it's visually more interesting that he misses.
Jeff at the Train Tender is who I thought of too. Appreciate the reminder. He's great!
Agreed!
Mitch
