I have the newer NYC log dump from2011 and the central Illinois coal dump from 1988. they both have the same cradle/spring mechanism. Well the pins on the cradles broke on two different occasions and instead of buying the better stake dumps, I decided to purchase new cradles and install. I have done that but now the cradles will not dump without some external help outside of the uncoupler. I know I installed everything right, I had the original springs and original metal piece that goes on the bottom of the cradle that sticks to the magnet operator. It almost seems that the UCS does not bring the magnet down far enough, but these worked before and I did not remove them. Frustrated in that it seems like these cradle type cars are junk

steve3333,
Welcome to the forum!

Weak springs? Pivot points/sliders need lubrication?
Weak magnet on the actuator?

I do understand how frustrating it can be when something that
should work, doesn't.

I'd try a little lubricant on all the pivot points and slide/friction points.
I'd also check that the correct voltage is being fed to the operating track
so your magnetic field actuates the operating mechanism.

Dave