Scaletrains electrical pickup issue - sorted?

[hotrodf1]

I think I saw where a couple guys were discussing the shortcomings of the Scaletrains electrical pickups.  I guess I"m in that same boat now too.  I have several other locomotives with no keep alives that don't have any issues on my layout, but the Scaletrains ET44 sure does.  Usually at turnouts.  It seems odd and a bit disappointing that such a key element of a model locomotive would be an issue at this point in the hobby - especially with what seems to be an otherwise fairly premium loco. 

Anyone had any luck sorting out what the issue actually is other than just installing a keep alive?

[Coal Valley BNSF]

Yes, I have the same issue with my scaletrains their pickup is not as reliable, I found out that it needs one little drop of conductive oil on the wiper blades to the axles more often than my other engines. Remember, less is more!