QUOTE i know you may have tried this but i will suggest it anyway, try bending them slightly against the wheel to see if they work better. or take it to a model shop that does repair, apart from that it's all i can think of.
You're right; I have tried it. It may be that the best solution is a new set of pickups. In the meantime I shall perservere and from time to time try new remedies.
Thanks for the suggestion.
David