Consider this possibility. Could the instructions for the dump car have been written before Lionel produced the 6-12054 FasTrack Operating Track section?
If so, using the old "tubular" UCS section was about all that the early buyers of FasTrack could do to operate certain "shoe-based" operating cars until the 6-12054 became available. I think the instructions may have been written for them, and not updated.
According to sources on the Yahoo FasTrack forum, the 6-12054 section is identical in electrical wiring and dimensions to the older UCS track. It differs only visually, having the FasTrack plastic ballast. I believe this is the case.
There is an excellent thread on the FasTrack forum on the very subject of the "dump car" problem. I strongly recommend checking that forum out fby everyone who uses FasTrack. You have to register, but it's free. The diagnostic process outlined there is an intellectual tour de force.
Once you get registered, use the Search function and look up 6-12054. As of today (12/26/08) a very useful thread about the dumping issue can be found as the second item that pops up. Page up and down as necessary to follow the thread from the beginning.
There is also a wealth of information on that forum regarding solving "FasTrack problems" with other post-war Lionel operating accessories such as the horse car, cattle car, cutting FasTrack, etc.There are several very creative guys over there, including one who calls himself "superotrackdon" who seems to be to FasTrack what lionelsoni is to electrons.
Because Lionel has produced so many variations of it's items, it would be very helpful if questioners would post as much specific info as possible about the items they are asking about -- such as product number, set number, etc..
